Surname Hochgreve - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Hochgreve: What does the surname Hochgreve mean?
The surname Hochgreve is of German origin and it means “High Count” or “Earl”. The name likely originated in the Middle Ages, when German nobles were given titles in a hierarchical system of ranks and titles. Hochgreve was one of these titles, reserved for the highest-ranking earls in German-speaking countries.
It was an honorary title given to honourable men, usually of noble birth, in recognition of their service to the community. The title could also be bestowed upon individuals with whom the local government wanted to maintain good relationships and strengthen ties.
Though the title is no longer used in modern times, it is still considered an honorable recognition in Germany. There are a few families who still bear the name Hochgreve, likely tracing their roots back to an ancestor who once held the influential title.
The name continues to be a source of pride within the German community and is highly respected. It is a reminder of Germany’s rich and vibrant history and its prestigious past titles.
Order DNA origin analysisHochgreve: Where does the name Hochgreve come from?
The last name Hochgreve is most prominently found in Germany today. This is mainly due to the fact that in medieval times a significant amount of German immigrants used this name. The most common current concentration is found in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, which borders the Netherlands and Belgium.
The exact etymology of the name Hochgreve is little known, but it is speculated to have Germanic roots meaning that the surname means “High Count” or “High Countess”. It is also likely that the name is derived from the German word “Hoch” which means “high or elevated”.
There are several places in Germany which have the word “Hochgreve” in them, which suggest that the name was more widespread in past eras. Examples of this include Hochgreve, a village in Nassau-Lahn, and a castle in Brandenburg called Schloss Hochgreve.
The last name Hochgreve has been found in other countries around the world, in particular in the United States and in the Netherlands. However, these occurrences have so far been relatively uncommon and the largest population of holders of this name is still located in Germany.
Variations of the surname Hochgreve
The surname Hochgreve is an occupational surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German term ‘Houcgreve’ and it refers to a member of the higher nobility or high unlikely rank.
Variants of the surname include Hochegreve, Hoclieb, Hochgreif, Hochkrämer, Hockenhauer, Hockenjos, Hohenberger, Hohenhaupt, and Hohenschuster.
Variants of the surname found in various spellings include: Hochgreiff, Hochgref, Hochgreve, Hochgreif, Hoecgreve, Hockgreve, Houcgreve, Hachgreve, Hatchgreve, Hotchgreve, and Hotschgreve.
The other surnames finding their origins in Hochgreve include Hockel, Hockenberger, Hockenhauer, Hockenjos, Hockenmaier, Hockensmith, Hohenberger, Hohenhaupt, Hoisenstaedel, Hohenschuster, and Hookenmeler.
Hochgreve is also found with various spelling variations in the United States, such as Hua, Hochgreif, Hochgrave, Hagner, Hagnor, Hogg, Hogrefe, Hogerfueer, Herald, Herold, Hochgraf, and Holger. It is also commonly seen as a modified version of the surname Hockenberger.
Additionally, in other countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the surname can vary between Hochgreve, Hoechgreife, Hoechgraef, Hogerfeuer, Hogerfeuer, and Hogerfueer.
Overall, the surname Hochgreve has several variant spellings and surnames of the same origin, all bearing the same occupational title.
Famous people with the name Hochgreve
- Gabriella Hochgreve: Gabriella Hochgreve is an actress from the 1980s who starred in films such as The Outsiders and Sweet Sixteen.
- Helga Hochgreve-Adelkamp: Helga Hochgreve-Adelkamp is a German politician who was a member of the German Federal Parliament from 1983 to 1990.
- Karen Hochgreve: Karen Hochgreve is a professional cook and food writer.
- Jens Hochgreve: Jens Hochgreve is a German actor best known for his roles in TV series like Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten and Inga Lindström: Sommer der Erinnerung.
- Daniel Hochgreve: Daniel Hochgreve is a South African author, researcher and professor of theology and biblical studies at the University of Pretoria.
- Willem Hochgreve: Willem Hochgreve is a Dutch athlete, mainly known for his success in the 400 m event.
- Hetty Hochgreve: Hetty Hochgreve is a top Dutch chef and restaurateur who has won several awards for her culinary style.
- Uwe Hochgreve: Uwe Hochgreve is a German language professor at the Free University of Berlin.