Surname Hempe - Meaning and Origin
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Hempe: What does the surname Hempe mean?
The last name Hempe is a German surname and is likely derived from the German word "hempen," meaning "from the hemp field." It appears to be an occupational, or habitation name, as someone from this family may have been employed in growing hemp in the past.
This name may also originate from a place, such as Hemen in North Rhine–Westphalia, Germany, or even from the Hempen Mountain in Holzminden, Germany. In this case it would indicate that the family was likely from the region of or near these places.
Hemp has a long and rich history that dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, and it is likely that it was grown in Germany during medieval times for a variety of purposes, including for fabric and rope. In modern times, hemp is still widely used for its many benefits, such as its strength and durability, and it is used to make a variety of products including paper, oils, and even building materials.
In short, the name Hempe can be traced back to the German word "hempen," meaning "from the hemp field." Therefore, the surname likely indicates that the family was employed in farming hemp, or also indicates origins from a place such as Hemen or Hempen Mountain. Hemp has been integral to German culture for centuries and still has many uses today.
Order DNA origin analysisHempe: Where does the name Hempe come from?
The last name Hempe is a relatively uncommon name in today's modern world. It is mainly concentrated in western Germany, especially in the regions of Hesse, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. Smaller numbers of Hempes are also found in Austria and Switzerland.
In Germany, the Hempe surname has a long history, going back to the Middle Ages (14th to 17th centuries). It evolved from several earlier versions of the name, beginning with Hanape, which was then changed to Hanbpe, Hemenpe, Hermpe, Hemppen, and eventually, Hempe. Despite its long history in Germany, there are very few Hempes living there today.
In the United States, the Hempe surname is also rare. Most American Hempes are descendants of immigrants who left Germany in the 18th and 19th centuries, in search of economic opportunities in the young, expanding country. The Hempe surname can be most commonly found in American states, such as Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and California.
Despite the scarcity of Hempes in today's world, the name is still a part of German and American history. It is a testament to the strength, courage, and determination of those who left their homes and communities in pursuit of a better life.
Variations of the surname Hempe
The surname Hempe is a German surname which has many variants, spellings, and other surnames that are derived from the same origin. These include Hempel, Hompel, Humpel, Himpel, Hemp, Henpel, Henphel, Hümpel, and Humpell.
The original spelling of the surname, Hempe, is a German topographic name for someone who lived adjacent to a hemp field. It specifically refers to hemp cultivation and production, rather than the use of hemp as a medicine or psychoactive drug.
The variants of the surname Hempe include Hempel, which is a variant of the surname often found in South Germany. It can also be found in regions of France such as Alsace, Lorraine, and Moselle. Hompel is another variant of this surname which is exclusively German and often found in North Germany.
Humpel, Himpel, and Henpel are additional variants of the original spelling that can be found in various regions of Germany. Henphel and Hümpel are unique variants which are only recorded in South and North Germany, respectively.
Finally, Hemp and Humpell are uncommon variants of Hempe which can be found in England and French-speaking countries such as France, Switzerland, and Canada.
Overall, the surname Hempe has many variants, spellings, and other surnames that are derived from the same origin. These various permutations of the surname can be found throughout German-speaking countries, as well as in other areas with German influence such as France, Switzerland, and England.
Famous people with the name Hempe
- Tim Hempe, born in 1923, former Major League Baseball player
- Leola Hempe, born in 1910, American athlete who specialized in hurdling
- Robert Hempe, born in 1924, American conductor
- Niels Hempe, Norwegian football coach
- Charles Hempe, Canadian politician
- Joe Hempe, American football player
- Adam Hempe, former professional hockey player
- Henry Hempe, German painter
- Emily Hempe, English actress
- Christa Hempe, German actress