Surname Hoehe - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Hoehe: What does the surname Hoehe mean?
The origin of the last name Hoehe is German. According to the etymological dictionary by German scholar Rudolph Köpke, the name 'Hoehe' is derived from the Middle Low German word "höhe". The word literally translates to "height", and this is likely what the surname was used to signify.
The geographical origin of the name is similar, as it was indicative of individuals from hilly regions. The earliest known spelling variant of the name, "Hove", was found in Bavaria in the 12th century. In subsequent centuries, the name evolved to Hohe or Hoehe, which is how it appears today.
It seems likely that the original bearers of the name acquired it based on the physical environment they lived in; many of the Middle Low German speaking regions were hilly. It could also be related to people who lived on elevated farms or lived in elevated areas for strategic purposes.
The Hoehe family is believed to be an ancient one, tracing its roots back to medieval Germany. It has since spread throughout Europe, North America, and other areas, and is still borne by individuals today. Although the original meaning of the surname has mostly been lost in the mists of time, it is likely that it was a descriptor used to distinguish the original German family who bore it from their peers.
Order DNA origin analysisHoehe: Where does the name Hoehe come from?
The last name Hoehe is most commonly found in Germany and the Netherlands today. While the origin of the name is almost certainly German, it may also have become established in the Netherlands through immigration from Germany in the past.
In Germany, Hoehe is most common in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, with its second highest concentrations in Lower Saxony, followed by Berlin and Bavaria. It’s also present in Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
In the Netherlands, the name is concentrated in the provinces of Friesland, Groningen and Overijssel, and is typically found in urbanized areas in the country.
Its occurrence outside of Europe is rare, but it can be found in small numbers in Canada, the United States, Australia and South Africa. The highest numbers of people with the last name Hoehe living outside of Europe are in the United States, where it’s estimated that around 200 people bear the name.
In terms of meaning, the name is thought to be derived from the German word “Höhe”, which translates to “height”or “mountain”, suggesting that its original bearers were linked to a certain mountain or region with higher elevation.
Variations of the surname Hoehe
The surname Hoehe has several variant spellings, surnames of the same origin, and other related names. These include, but are not limited to, Hohe, Hoheisel, Hohewitz, Hohey, Hoheuser, and Höhe.
Hohe is the common spelling of the surname. This spelling is derived from the German language and is used predominantly in Germany and Austria. It is a habitational name that indicates its bearer was likely from places with names such as Hohen, Hohe, and Höhe. Originally, these locations and cities derived their name from the word "hohe," which means "high" in German.
The German surname Hoheisel is another variant spelling of the name. This spelling is derived from the dialect of the German language and comes from the same root word as Hohe. It is also indicated by the "-stein" suffix that is common in German surnames, and is often used to indicate someone who is from a stone house or castle.
Hohewitz is a variant of the Hohe surname and is derived from the Jewish culture of central and eastern Europe. It indicates its bearer was most likely from one of the many centres of Jewish life found in these regions.
The other variants of the surname Hoehe include, Hohey, Hoheuser, and Höhe. The first is derived from the old German word "hohi," which means "high" or "tall." The second variant is also derived from the Middle High German word "hoh," and is a topographical name for someone who lived near the heel of a hill, which is the literal translation of the word. Finally, the third spelling, Höhe, is the German word meaning "height," and is also used as a habitational name.
The surname Hoehe has a rich history and is still in use by many people today. Its variants, spellings, surnames of the same origin, and other related names are a testament to the longevity of this surname.
Famous people with the name Hoehe
- Hans Hoehe: German cinematographer
- Leticia Höhe: German artist
- Lucretia Hoehe: Botanical illustrator
- Ernesto Hoehe: Brazilian actor
- Bree Hoehe: American artist
- Akin Hoehe: Nigerian artist
- Volker Hoehe: German Soccer Player
- Bodo Hoehe: German Computer Scientist
- Reinhard Hoehe: German Olympian 10.Emily Hoehe: British Architect