Though the origin of the hushpuppy is a bit murky, there are a few stories about how they got their name. One popular theory is that they were originally created as a way to use up leftover cornmeal batter. Cooks would fry up small balls of the batter and then feed them to their dogs to quiet them (or hush them up). Another theory is that hushpuppies got their name from being served alongside fried fish. When frying fish, cooks would often throw bits of batter into the hot oil to test the temperature. These fried bits were then given to beggars or children to quiet them (or hush them up).
Whatever the origin, hushpuppies are now a Southern staple. They're usually made with a cornmeal batter and fried until golden brown. They can be served as a side dish or as a main course, and they're often served with a dipping sauce.