Surname Hockstetter - Meaning and Origin

Hockstetter: What does the surname Hockstetter mean?

The last name Hockstetter is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word hochstete, meaning "highest homestead". It is likely that the last name originated as a way to distinguish various households of similar origin.

This is a locational name, which was given to a person who held land in a particular area. In the Middle Ages, a man often took a name that described his place of birth, occupation or location.

The earliest known bearer of the name was Alexander Hockstetter, who lived from1235-1283 in Austria. His son, Johann Hockstetter, was born in 1267. The surname was likely more common in the southern regions of Germany.

Today, the last name Hockstetter is widely spread throughout the United States as well as Germany. It is often associated with a variety of different trades, such as shoemaking, pottery and blacksmithing. It is believed that many of the Americans with the Hockstetter surname descended from German immigrants who came to the United States during the 20th century.

The Hockstetter name links a person to a distinct geographic area, which can bring a sense of family history and belonging. It also serves as a reminder of the region’s proud history and its colorful culture.

Hockstetter: Where does the name Hockstetter come from?

The last name Hockstetter is most common in Germany, especially in the Bavaria region and in the states of Brandenburg, Saxony, and Thuringia. It is also found in Switzerland, Austria and parts of Hungary and the Czech Republic.

In the United States, the last name is fairly uncommon but is found throughout the country, primarily concentrated in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. It is also found in the states of Michigan, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Illinois.

The surname is likely derived from a nickname which referred to a person who lived near a brook or stream called "Hocken" which means “to hit or strike.” This type of surname quite literally described someone who lived near a “hitting” stream.

The spelling of the surname has also changed over time, and it has been recorded as “Hochstetter” as well as “Hochstädter” in some areas. Variations of this last name are believed to represent members of a family or clan, native to German-speaking countries but spread out around the world over the centuries.

Variations of the surname Hockstetter

The surname Hockstetter is of Germanic origin and has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most commonly seen spelling of the surname is Hockstetter, but it may also be seen as Hokstetter, Hochstetter, Hockstater, Hochstater, and Hoakstetter.

In Germany, where the name originated, the spelling can take the form of Hokesteter, Hokstätter, Hockstetten, and Hoekstetter, as well as variants such as Hokschteter and Hokschtäter.

In the Netherlands, the surname is spelled as Hoksetter, Hoekstetter, Hoekstra, Hoekszter, and Hoeksztra.

In Denmark, the surname is spelled as Hokstetter.

In Norway, the surname is spelled as Hokeister and Hoksteder.

In Iceland, the surname is spelled as Hoekstetter.

In Sweden, the surname is spelled as Hokstetter.

In other parts of Europe, the surname may be spelled as Oecksetter, Oksetter, Ockseter, Oksetetor, Okesteter, Okstetor, Okksteter, Hocekstetter, Hoxsetter, Hoxstetter, Hosettinger, Hosetter, and Oksetter.

In the United States, the surname is most often spelled as Hockstetter, but can take the forms of Hokstatter, Hokstetter, Hoxstetter, Hoxsattic, Hosattic, and Hockstatar.

In Latin America, the surname may be spelled as Hokstetter, Hokstatar, Ocsattier, and Oksettier.

No matter the spelling of the surname, the origin of the name is the same—the German surname, "Hockstetter."

Famous people with the name Hockstetter

• Paul Hockstetter: an American citizen who was a conscientious objector during World War II.
• Robert Hockstetter: an American mathematician known for his work on the Hockstetter number, which is used to calculate probability distributions.
• Jennifer Hockstetter: the former artistic director for the Stratford Festival in Quartzsite, Arizona.
• Dwight Hockstetter: a former mayor of La Crosse, Wisconsin.
• Erwin Hockstetter: an American nature photographer whose work focused on wildlife.
• Cynthia Hockstetter: a former competitive downhill skier who represented the United States in the 1972 Winter Olympics.
• Andrew Hockstetter: an American professional golfer who was a member of the PGA Tour from 1984 to 1994.
• Marie Hockstetter: a Canadian cross-country skier who participated in the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics.
• Richard Hockstetter: an American film and television producer with credits including The Amazing Race, Saturday Night Live, and Rules of Engagement.
• Virginia Hockstetter: an American actress and singer who appeared in films such as Jaws, Grease, and The Deer Hunter.

Other surnames

Hockstetler