Surname Heppe - Meaning and Origin
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Heppe: What does the surname Heppe mean?
The last name Heppe is thought to be of German or Dutch origin, although the exact meaning and origin are unclear. Most likely, the surname is derived from the German word "hepp," meaning "happy," or "heppe," which means "head." It is also possible that it could be derived from the Dutch word "heppe," describing a certain type of home.
The known records of the first Heppes date back to the early 1700s, when a Jacob Heppe was recorded in Germany in the year 1701. It is also known that members of the Heppe family emigrated from Germany to the US in the late 1800s, settling in Pennsylvania and other states.
The Heppe surname is now found in many countries around the world, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The most common spelling of the surname in modern times is Hepp.
Despite the uncertain origin, the Heppe name is well established and continues to be shared by many people throughout the world. With its unique history and wide spread use, the last name Heppe carries with it a certain amount of pride and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisHeppe: Where does the name Heppe come from?
The last name Heppe is most commonly found in Germany, as it is a German surname. It can also be found in parts of Belgium and France, as well as in other countries with German roots, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.
Evidence suggests that the Heppe last name is originally from a place called "the Heppe" in the German state of Westerwald. A local church, which is known for having been built in the 12th century, contains the last name "Heppe" in its records. This has led scholars to believe that the Heppe families of the area trace their roots to that church, and they spread from there.
Today, the Heppes can be found around the world. In Germany, there are still Heppes living in the Westerwald region, as well as in other parts of Germany. There are also Heppes living in France, Belgium, and various other countries in Europe and Latin America.
In the United States, there are an estimated 4,000 Heppes living in the 50 states. The last name Heppe is most common in Wisconsin, followed by North Carolina and then California. There are also quite a few Heppes living in Australia, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand.
In general, those with the last name Heppe can be found living in many different countries around the world, especially those with German roots. However, it is most common in Germany, followed by the United States.
Variations of the surname Heppe
The surname Heppe is a predominantly German last name, with one possible Dutch origin. It is derived from the Old German word "heppa" which means horse. As such, it is thought to have originated as an occupational name for a horse breeder, rider, or horse trader.
The most common variation of the surname Heppe is Hepp, although alternative spellings have arisen over the years, including Heppen, Heppinger, Heppel, Hoppe, Hippe, Hoppen, Heppner, Hepple, Hepting, Hebb, and Haeppling.
The most prolific location for those carrying the Heppe surname is the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg. It is also found in parts of the United States, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Illinois.
Investigating the variant surnames of Heppe can help to build a fuller picture of family history. For example, a search of Hoppe may uncover ancestors arriving from the Netherlands, while Hepple or Hepting may be the alternative spelling of breweries or maltsters found in the records. It is hoped that by uncovering the various surname variants, individuals of German or Dutch descent can gain a better understanding of their ancestry and cultural heritage.
Famous people with the name Heppe
- Ludwig Heppe (1820–1883), German theologian.
- Henry Heppe (1810–1885), German schoolteacher and composer.
- Ernst Heppe (1811–1871), German theologian and historian of philosophy.
- David Heppe (1789–1868), German author and publicist.
- Heinrich Heppe (1845–1922), German pastor and historian of Christian dogma.
- Walter Heppe (1902–1944), German sculptor.
- Miles Heppe (1937–2020), American politician and business executive.
- Ella Heppe (born 1947), German stage and television actress.
- Ruth Heppe (born 1989), German Olympic swimmer.
- Walt Heppe (born 1950), American professional football player.