Surname Hochgreef - Meaning and Origin
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Hochgreef: What does the surname Hochgreef mean?
The last name Hochgreef is an occupational surname of German origin. It is derived from the words 'hoch', meaning 'high', and 'greef', an archaic term for a judge or even a mayor. This suggests that people with this last name originated from a family of law experts and judges. This is one of the oldest surnames of Germany, and is believed to have first been used in the Middle Ages.
Given its origin in legal work, the last name Hochgreef has a strong regal connotation. The prefix 'Hoch' in German indicates elevated rank, as in a high-ranking official or royal family member. Thus, someone with the last name Hochgreef likely served in a high-level position. This could range from an esteemed judge to a mayor, a bailiff, or a chief adviser.
The last name Hochgreef has a long, fascinating history. Ancestors bearing this surname were likely respected figures in their communities, and perhaps even held power in a political office. The legacy of such respected authority surely lives on in the people with this surname today.
Order DNA origin analysisHochgreef: Where does the name Hochgreef come from?
The surname Hochgreef is most common among people living in countries in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in the United States and Canada. The most prominent area of concentration is in Germany, where it is one of the top 5,000 surnames as recorded in the population census taken in 2019. It is also found in Austria, particularly in the state of Vienna. In Poland, the surname is concentrated in the regions of Masovia and Podlasie. The surname is also common in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the surname is especially prominent in New York, Pennsylvania, and California.
In Canada, the surname is most commonly found in the province of Ontario, particularly the areas of Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Vaughan, Brampton, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Oakville. There is also a noticeable concentration of the surname in Alberta and New Brunswick.
It is also likely that the surname can be found in other regions as a result of early emigration, primarily after the Second World War. This includes countries in South America, particularly Argentina, Columbia, and Brazil. Similarly, the countries of Israel, Australia, and New Zealand probably have a few individuals with the surname Hochgreef. Finally, the surname can likely be found in many other western countries around the world due to recent immigration.
Variations of the surname Hochgreef
The surname Hochgreef is a Dutch variant of the German surname ‘Hochgreve’. It is an occupational name and means ‘High steward’ or ‘High Count’, referring to a holder of a high ranking royal office. It is also related to the Dutch word ‘Grief’, which means 'Grave'.
Variations of the Hochgreef surname include Hochgreve, Hochgreif, Hochgrav, Hochgrev, Grief, Groef, Greve, Greif, Grev, Greeve, Greeif, Griefe, and Greeff.
Hochgreef may also be spelled with various prefixes or suffixes, such as Hooggreef, Hooggraaf, Hooggreef, Hooggreif, Hooggrev, Hooggrave, Hooggrav, Hooggreve, Hoogfreve, Hoogfrev, or Hoogfrieff.
Surnames of similar origin include Graaf, Graeff, Graif, Grebbe, Grobbe, and Grovu. These names are direct variations of Dutch and German words for 'Count', related to the Hochgreef surname.
Finally, other related surnames or spellings include Grüve, Gruv, Greve, Grieff, Greif, Grev, Griefeb, Grieve, Griefin, Grevin, and Graf. All of these variations are derived from Germanic words for ‘Count’, ‘Countship’ or ‘High Steward’.
Famous people with the name Hochgreef
- Eric Hochgreef: Dutch gymnast who competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
- Kristen Hochgreef: American professional bodybuilder.
- Zack Hochgreef: Dutch sports journalist
- Ed Hochgreef: Dutch boxer who competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
- Berthold Hochgreef: German SS concentration camp officer who worked at Auschwitz.
- August Hochgreef: German politician and journalist who served in the Reichstag from 1928 until 1933.
- Jeffrey Hochgreef: American musician, multi-instrumentalist and record producer.
- Karla Hochgreef: Austrian Olympic fencer who competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
- Lauren Hochgreef: Canadian contemporary artist based in San Diego.
- Elisabeth Hochgreef: German economist and author, formerly a professor at the Technical University of Berlin.