Abstract The temporal embryonic origins of cortical GABA neurons are critical for their specialization. In the neonatal hippocampus, GABA cells born the earliest (ebGABAs) operate as ‘hubs’ by orchestrating neuronal dynamics. However, their fate remains largely unknown. To fill this gap, we have examined CA1 ebGABAs using a combination of electrophysiology, neurochemical analysis, optogenetic connectivity mapping as well as ex vivo and in vivo calcium imaging. We show that CA1 ebGABAs not only operate as hubs during development, but also maintain distinct morpho-physiological and connectivity profiles, including a bias for long-range targets and local excitatory inputs. In vivo , ebGABAs signal a variety of network states, including the activation of local CA1 assemblies. Hence, ebGABAs are specified from birth to ensure unique functions throughout their lifetime. In the adult brain, this may take the form of a long-range hub role through the coordination of cell assemblies across distant regions.