Surname Häpp - Meaning and Origin
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Häpp: What does the surname Häpp mean?
The last name Häpp is of Germanic origin, likely derived from the Old High German word "happ", which is believed to have meant "a small, enclosed space". In some cases, Häpp may be linked to the Middle High German word "hepe", which is thought to have meant "a piece of land".
In terms of its geographical origin, the last name Häpp appears to be most commonly found in the area of Germany's northern Black Forest region. There, it is an occupational surname associated with a type of charcoal burner with a special kiln, which was most likely the enclosed space referred to by the Old High German roots of the name.
Due to the spread of German settlers over the centuries, the surname has gradually spread to other countries including the United States. The US Census of 1880 cites several examples of the name, most commonly in Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. In these instances, the name is typically spelled "Hopp" or "Happ".
In terms of its usage today, Häpp is an uncommon but not unheard of family name. It is also an attractive and interesting-sounding last name, with its origins in Old High German language, its prevalence in Germany's Black Forest region, and its historic occupation as charcoal-burner.
Order DNA origin analysisHäpp: Where does the name Häpp come from?
The last name Häpp is most common today in Northern Germany, especially in the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein. It is also quite common in the neighboring countries of Denmark and Sweden, as well as in the Netherlands. In Germany, the name is derived from the Slavic name Happnik, which means "son of Happo". The name was likely first used in the German state of Pomerania in the 13th century.
The name can also be found in the former Soviet Union. Historically, the name has been used in some parts of the Baltics, although it has become less common as the region modernized.
In the United States, the name is found in some states, but it is still relatively rare. This is because the majority of ethnic Germans who settled in the U.S. in the 19th century hailed from southern states such as Saxony and Bavaria, rather than the more northerly parts of Germany where the Häpp name is most concentrated. Similarly, the name is uncommon in Canada, as most German immigrants settled in the central and western parts of the country, rather than the former Slavic-speaking territories of Eastern Europe.
Overall, the last name Häpp is most common today in Northern Germany, Scandinavia, and the former Soviet Union. While the name can be found in other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada, it is much less common elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Häpp
The surname Häpp has a number of variant spellings, including Happ, Haep, Heep, Haep, and Haepp. It is also common to see the spelling "Häp" or "Haepp." While all these spellings are variations of the same name, they can also sometimes indicate cultural differences in origin.
The surname Häpp has its origin in Germany, where it is also common to see the spelling Happ. It is likely derived from the nickname hap or haef, meaning "happy" or "cheerful." Variants of this spelling come from other German-speaking regions, such as Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands.
In Scotland, the surname Haep is common, while in Sweden, the form Heep is more usual. In Lithuania, the spelling Haepp can often be seen.
In some cases, the surname Häpp has evolved into variants with a fuller spelling or different endings, such as Haepple, Heeple, Haeppler, and Heepler.
In some instances, the surname Häpp is found in a compound form, such as Haep-Levin, Haep-Dyck, or Haep-Risi. These forms are most often found in Dutch-speaking regions of Europe.
In the United States, the surname Happ is very common, with some reproduction of the original German spelling seen in some cases.
In conclusion, the surname Häpp has a variety of spellings and cultural origins, from German, Dutch, and Swiss to American. It is a common surname, and can sometimes be found in compound form or with fuller endings.
Famous people with the name Häpp
- Ulrike Häpp: German comedian, writer and professional speaker.
- Sigrid Häpp: German librarian and author.
- Sebastian Häpp: German actor and television presenter.
- Dirk Häpp: German entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
- Anna Häpp: German figure skater.
- Bernd Häpp: German footballer.
- Amanda Häpp: German singer and songwriter.
- Judith Häpp: German architect, urban planner, and designer.
- Thomas Häpp: German politician and member of the European Parliament.
- Hilda Häpp: German sculptor.