Surname Hockauff - Meaning and Origin

Hockauff: What does the surname Hockauff mean?

The last name Hockauff is derived from the German surname "Hochauf" which literally translates to "high up" or "high rise". This name may have originally been given to a family that lived in a village with a nearby mountain or tall hill, or to a family that built homes at a higher elevation than those of their neighbours.

The surname may also have been given to a family with roots in artisan trades who were able to create luxury items or products that elevated their station in life. This could have included anything from musicianship to wood or metal working.

Hockauff could also have been derived from the German root "Auf" which means to rise, possibly as a reference to the family's prosperity or positive attitude, or as an indicator of the family's rise in the social ladder.

Regardless of its origin, the name Hockauff resonates with the idea of standing on a pedestal or rising up in life. It is a fitting name for the many Hockauffs around the world who strive for greatness in every aspect of their lives.

Hockauff: Where does the name Hockauff come from?

The last name Hockauff has its origins in Germany, and is more commonly found in Northern Europe. In Germany, Hockauff is most often encountered in the states of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Germany is also home to one of the largest populations of Hockauffs outside of their home country, with many German family names having been lost, changed, and/or adapted over the centuries to match local customs and trends.

Outside of Germany, some of the countries with the largest numbers of people bearing the last name Hockauff include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Sweden and Denmark. The United States has long been a popular destination for German emigrants, and many Americans of German-descent proudly bear the last name Hockauff. In fact, the United States is home to over 10,400 people bearing the name Hockauff, making it thesecond-largest country in the world with a significant population of Hockauffs.

The United Kingdom and Canada respectively account for 1,400 and 2,200 people bearing the last name Hockauff, making them the third and fourth largest countries of Hockauffs in the world. Australia is fifth with 1,000 people with that name, followed by Sweden with 830 and Denmark with 356.

In total, it is estimated that there are about 16,000 people bearing the last name Hockauff living across the world today. As such, Hockauff remains a relatively uncommon name.

Variations of the surname Hockauff

The surname Hockauff is of Dutch origin, with variations in spelling and other surnames stemming from the same root. Variations of the name include Hockoff and Hockauf. Some of the other surnames from the same root include: Hockaup, Hockoffe, Hockaff, Hochaff, Hockaof, Hockauf, and Hockeuff.

The most common spelling, Hockauff, originated in Germany in the 1700s, and is derived from a combination of the Dutch words 'hock', meaning 'high', and 'auf', meaning 'hollow'. This suggests that the original bearers of the name may have lived in an area of high elevation or one that was very hilly.

The name is also found in form of a patronymic, or a name derived from the first name of the father, such as Hockauffsen or Hockauffs. Patronymic surnames are common in Dutch naming conventions.

In the United States, the name is often seen in its anglicized form, Hockoff. This spelling was especially common in Pennsylvania, which was a major destination for German immigrants.

Another notable variation of the name is Hockaof, which is also found in the United States. This form of the name is likely a variant of Hockauff, as some of the earliest arrivals of the family to America were sometimes documented as 'Hockaof'.

In conclusion, the surname Hockauff has a multitude of variants, spellings, and surnames derived from the same root. The most common forms are Hockauff, Hockaof, Hockoff, and Hockauf. Patronymic forms such as Hockauffsen or Hockauffs are also found in Dutch naming conventions. Additionally, the spelling of Hockoff can be seen in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, which was a frequent destination for German immigrants.

Famous people with the name Hockauff

• John Hockauff: American professional soccer player for the New York Cosmos
• Christina Hockauff: German actress best known for her roles in Die Wilde, You Are Wanted and Spa Night
• Sandor Hockauff: Hungarian sculptor known for his work on the Heroes' Monument
• Hans Hockauff: German theater director, and a recipient of the Berliner Theaterpreis
• Emily Hockauff: American artist whose work explores themes of identity, power and politics
• Josh Hockauff: American street photographer known for his work on the streets of Brooklyn
• Lukas Hockauff: Austrian film director lauded for his documentary work on environmental issues
• Sybil Hockauff: British actress, director, and playwright best known for her work at the Royal National Theatre
• Tom Hockauff: American pop culture satirist known for his work in television and print media
• Tobias Hockauff: German sculptor and painter, renowned for his lifelike sculptures and folk-art inspired paintings

Other surnames

Hockauf