Surname Hess - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Unraveling My Hess Heritage: A Riveting Expedition with the iGENEA DNA Test
Embarking on a journey into the past with the iGENEA DNA test, I unravelled the mystery of my surname, Hess, and connected with distant relatives while uncovering surprising genetic traits.
D. Hess
read moreHess: What does the surname Hess mean?
The surname Hess is of German origin and primarily means someone who is from the region of Hesse in West Central Germany. The term 'Hess' is derived from the tribal name of the Hessians, an ancient German tribe residing in this area. Therefore, this surname typically denotes geographical origin, either signifying a person who originally came from the region of Hesse or a person living in or near this region. In some instances, it's also used to identify migrants who named themselves after their native town or village upon moving to a new location. However, the meaning of a surname can evolve over centuries and might vary across countries due to linguistic and cultural differences.
Order DNA origin analysisHess: Where does the name Hess come from?
The surname Hess is of German origin. It originated from a region named Hesse in West Central Germany. The name means "person from Hesse" or "the one who wears hoods". It became a surname for people who were originally from that area. Some may have also taken it as their surname because of their trade which would have been making or selling hoods.
In today's world, the surname Hess is common in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, and other countries which have seen significant German immigration. In the U.S, it can be majorly found on the East Coast, particularly in states like Pennsylvania. Over time, many descendants of the Hess family have spread out across the globe due to various socio-economic circumstances and opportunities. Despite its roots in Germany, the name has been adopted and adapted in various forms and languages, and its historical and geographical spread signifies a rich diaspora of cultures.
Variations of the surname Hess
The surname Hess has various spellings and variants based on geographical locations, culture, history, and language. Some of these include Hesse, Heß (in areas with German language influence), Hesser, Hessel, Hessey, and Hest. These variations have evolved due to local dialects, phonetic spellings, and translations.
Hess originates from several sources. It may be a patronymic name derived from the personal name "Hesso," or a toponymic name, indicating origin from the Hesse region in Germany. Other surnames of similar origin include Hessing, meaning "son of Hess," and Hessheimer, likely indicating origin from a place associated with the Hess family.
The surname also appears in Jewish (Ashkenazic) culture, possibly an acronym of Hebrew phrases like 'Hochma u'Sekel' or shortened from Heshel. Variations can differ based on country and local custom, and may include Hesh, Heshel, and Hersch.
It's also worth noting that not all people with the surname Hess or its variants are related, as surnames can originate independently in different locations. Additionally, the occurrence of surname changes and adoptions over centuries makes it complex to trace connections solely based on surnames.
Famous people with the name Hess
- Andrew Hess: American painter
- Hap Hess: Former MLB player
- Johannes Hess: German sculptor
- Joyce Hess: American TV & Radio broadcaster
- Sir Harold Hess: British vegetable pathologist
- Hylda Hess: English soprano
- Jules Guérin-Hess: French painter
- Jean Hess: French geographer
- Paul Hess: German composer
- Tyler Hess: Professional golfer
- John von Hess: American businessman
- David Hess: Actor
- Kathy Hess: American singer
- Garrett Hess: American business person
- Alice Hess: American writer and actor
- Katie Hess: Professional dancer
- Dave Hess: American Singer
- Ronald Hess: Business Entrepreneur
- Walter Hess: Swiss composer
- Julian Hess: German chef and restaurant owner