Surname Hilgert - Meaning and Origin
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Hilgert: What does the surname Hilgert mean?
The last name Hilgert is of Germanic origin, and is derived from the old German name Hilgar, which means “a spear or lance man”. The Hilgert family likely trace their roots back to someone who served or fought from a spear or lance. Throughout the centuries, the name has evolved through numerous variants of spelling, including Hillgart, Hilshert, and Hilsgart.
Most people with the Hilgert surname can be found in Germany and Austria, where the family has been established for some time. However, members of this family have since spread throughout Europe and the world.
The Hilgert family, though originally from Germany and Austria, have left a lasting legacy all over the world. As they moved throughout Europe, they established themselves in different countries with their ancestral names. This served as an important role in maintaining family ties even after years of separation.
Today, the Hilgert family have carved their niche in the world — mostly as professionals – in areas such as academia, business, art, and technology. While many families come and go in time, the Hilgerts have endured and in doing so have made their place in the world.
Order DNA origin analysisHilgert: Where does the name Hilgert come from?
The last name Hilgert is most common throughout Germany, Central Europe, and parts of Russia. In Germany, it is one of the most widespread surnames, ranking 534th in frequency. In Russia, the frequency of the Hilgert surname is even higher, with it occupying the 241st spot. It is likely that the surname originated in Germany before spreading to Central Europe and Russia.
The Hilgert surname might have had its origins in Germany several centuries ago. It was used by a family from the area around the town of Hilger in the district of Nordhausen in the state of Thuringia. The earliest known recording of the Hilgert name in Thuringia dates back to 1344.
Today, the Hilgert surname can still be found throughout Germany, Central Europe and Russia, though it is not as widespread as it once was. There are also some families in the United States and Canada that bear the name, although it is much less common. All in all, the Hilgert name has stood the test of time and can still be found scattered across Europe and the Americas.
Variations of the surname Hilgert
The surname Hilgert has a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Such variants include Hillgart, Hilgart, Hilger, Hilggert, Hillger, Hilgate, Hilliger, and Hillgert. Many of these spellings have been diverging and mutating over hundreds of years, making it difficult to precisely determine a 'true' spelling of the name.
The surname is thought to have an Old Germanic origin. It is derived from the words 'hild', meaning battle, and 'garth', meaning enclosure or garden. The name then means roughly 'battle garden' or 'enclosed land for battle'.
The name soon spread to other lands, and is now found in countries all over the world, with many surnames of the same origin. In the United States, Hilgert is commonly spelled Hilligert, Hillgert, Lilgart, Hillinger, and Hilger. These are also common in countries throughout Europe, such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden.
In the United Kingdom, the spelling of Hilgert is often found as Hillgart, Hillger, Hilliger, Hillegard, and Hilligar. The same is true in Australia, where the spellings include Hillgart, Hilger, Hilliger, and Hillgar.
Variants of the surname Hilgert are also common in Canada, Mexico, South America, and even some parts of Asia and Africa. In each country, the variations exist, although the popularity of a certain variation often changes.
Regardless of spelling, the surname Hilgert is a relatively common surname with roots in medieval Germanic culture. The different variants mean that the surname can be found in a variety of locations and cultures throughout the world.
Famous people with the name Hilgert
- Angelika Hilgert: Olympic gold medalist for the Women’s Canoe Slalom event at the Atlanta 1996 Summer Games.
- Johann Hilgert: Austrian alpine skier and coach who participated in three Olympics, and competed in the 1958 World Championships in Albertville.
- Richard Hilgert: American editor and professor of British literature.
- Jerome Hilgert: Award-winning filmmaker known for his documentary films about music, culture and history.
- Ralf Hilgert: German footballer who played for Arminia Bielefeld in the Bundesliga 2.
- Myles Hilgert: American ice dancer who won the gold medal at the 2003 US Figure Skating Championships.
- Franz Hilgert: Austrian actor and author of film, television and theatre, best known for his roles in television series such as Derrick.
- Alvina Hilgert: American educator and advocate who was the first female member of the Albuquerque Public schools board.
- Franz Hilgert: Austrian entrepreneur and founder of Hilgert-Günther car dealerships.
- Lorenz Hilgert: German painter active during the Romanticism period.