My family surname is Hedges but our ancestry is obscure other than we know they were Gypsies who were living in Kent, England at the turn of the 20th Century. I have discovered an entry in the London Gazettes of a couple of Hungarian immigrants who had applied to change their name by deed poll from 'Hegedus' to the anglicized 'Hedges'. Does anyone know if this was common?
The meaning of the name (fiddle player/repairer) would certainly fit in with the image of Hungarian Gypsies, however, I realise I may be barking completely up the wrong tree. I would love to know if anyone has an ancestor who also changed their name in this way.

This is very interesting. However, I have been unable to find the article in the London Gazette to which you refer. Could you please give the date of the article.
I know of a few families/individuals who changed their name to or from HEDGES but this particular change is new to me.
I would be very interested to learn more as part of the HEDGES One Name Study - www.Hedges-Study.org.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue HEDGES

The page no. is 6386 dated 19 June 1969
The actual entry is:
Hedges, Gyongyi (formerly Gyongyi Hegedus) ;
Hungary; Housewife; 2 Brackeribridge Drive,
South Ruislip, Middlesex. 21st April 1969.
Hedges, Leslie (formerly Laszlo Hegedus) ; Hungary ;
Plumber (Self-employed) ; 2 Brackenbridge Drive,
South Ruislip, Middlesex. 21st April 1969.
Hegedus, Gyongyi. See Hedges, Gyongyi.
Hegedus, Laszlo. See Hedges, Leslie.
If I recall correctly (tho' I may be wrong) this couple also appeared in an earlier addition when they actually changed their name but I didn't save that copy for some reason.
I hope this helps your study.

Thank you for the information in your reply. I did find the 1969 entry regarding Naturalisation but not the earlier "change of name" article.
In my opinion Mr. and Mrs. Hegedus changed their name to Hedges as this is a convenient look-alike name and sounds similar.
Sue