Surname Hochgemut - Meaning and Origin

Hochgemut: What does the surname Hochgemut mean?

The last name Hochgemut is a German surname and is derived from the words 'hoch' and 'gemut'. 'Hoch' is the German term for high or lofty and 'gemut' is the German term for spirit or courage. Thus, the surname Hochgemut literally translates to 'high-spirited'.

The name likely referred to knights and nobles in medieval Germany who were known for their courage and unwavering spirit. It would have signified strength of character and a willingness to take risks. It could also have been referring to a family’s physical abilities and agility.

Interestingly, the name Hochgemut has also been associated with vanity and haughtiness. It has been suggested that the surname could reflect a slightly arrogant way of thinking, which was apparently quite common among the German knights and nobility of the medieval ages. The surname could then be used to alert others to take extra precaution when dealing with those who bear this name.

Generally, however, it has been suggested that the name 'Hochgemut' is a proud name. It symbolizes a level of confidence and an eagerness to take risks, qualities that were admired even in medieval times. It could also signify an ability to overcome obstacles and come out unscathed. Thus, the meaning of this surname emphasizes courage, persistence, strength, and spirit, traits that can serve as an example for all.

Hochgemut: Where does the name Hochgemut come from?

The last name Hochgemut is most commonly found in Germany today. It is one of the few surnames that can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and is derived from the High German words "hôh" and "gemût". The phrase "hôh gemût" means "elevated spirit" or "elevated mind". This reflects the high regard in which the Hochgemut family was held during the Middle Ages.

In more recent times, the name Hochgemut has become increasingly popular throughout Germany. It is mainly found in the northern states of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia, but it is also fairly common in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The city of Berlin also has a significant population of Hochgemuts.

Outside of Germany, the last name Hochgemut is very rare and, if it is found, it is usually due to connections to German immigrants. The name has also been slightly altered in the United States - being Anglicized to the form "Higamut" - and can occasionally be found.

Overall, the surname Hochgemut is most commonly associated with Germany and is nowadays primarily found in the country's northern states. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and its meaning of "elevated spirit" or "elevated mind" continues to stand as testament to the esteem with which the Hochgemuts were held in those times.

Variations of the surname Hochgemut

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Hochgemut are all related to ‘high spirits’. The variants include the spelling ‘Hochgmut’, as well as the surnames Hochgut, Hochheut, Hochheim, Hochheut, Hockgut, Hochmeut, Hochmonut, Hockheim and Hochmonut.

Hochgmut is the most common spelling of the name, and it is derived from a combination of the Middle High German words ‘hoch’ and ‘gemut’, which mean ‘high’ and ‘spirit’, respectively. This was originally a German surname, but the name has seen use throughout Europe, with some families migrating to other countries.

The other variants of the surname are not as common, but they can be seen as slightly different spellings of the same basic root. For example, Hochgut, Hochheut, and Hochheim are all derived from the same German root. Hochmeut and Hochmonut, however, have a French origin, and are associated with good fortune or good luck. Hockgut, Hockheim, and Hochmonut are also derived from Middle High German words, and are associated with good luck and high fortune.

All of these variants, spellings and surnames are related to good luck, high spirits, and fortune, and are all derived from the same source. As a result, families with different spellings of the same root are still connected to one another through shared ancestry.

Famous people with the name Hochgemut

• Therese Hochgemut, an Austrian alpine skier who competed in the 1960 Winter Olympics.
• Ernst Hochgemut, a German sculptor who specialized in plaster and bronze busts and figurines.
• Helene Hochgemut, a German-French actress active in the 1920's.
• Tobias Hochgemut, a Swiss scholar who wrote extensively on the subject of Ancient Egyptian literature and religion.
• Thomas Hochgemut, a German professional cyclist during the 1800's.
• Max Hochgemut, a writer and men's magazine editor active in the 1940s-50s.
• Mark Hochgemut, a Swiss engineer, and political scientist who has written several books on the topic of polar exploration.
• Peter Hochgemut, a German composer, conductor, and music educator active during the late 19th century-early 20th century.
• Lothar Hochgemut, a German philosopher and academic who wrote books on the philosophy of language and education.
• Herman Hochgemut, a German film critic and historian, authoring several books on the subject of film history.

Other surnames

Hochgemuth