Surname Höpgen - Meaning and Origin

Höpgen: What does the surname Höpgen mean?

Höpgen is a German surname derived from the Old German Hovin-pagan, which translates to “the farm of the pagan”. This suggests that the original bearer of the surname most likely lived on a farm owned or operated by a person of the Pagan faith. The family are thought to have originated in the Rhineland, an area close to the French and Dutch borders.

The modern-day Höpgen surname is found mainly in the German-speaking countries, but the family has spread out to other areas of the world, including North and South America, and Australia. It is, however, still relatively rare, with fewer than 400 families bearing the Höpgen surname currently registered in Germany.

It is believed that most of the modern bearers of the Höpgen surname are descended from a man named Lambertus Höpgen. He was born in 1739 in Germany and is thought to be the first known bearer of the Höpgen name. He lived in a small village called Morsius near the River Rhine, where he worked as a farmer and was thought to be of Catholic faith.

Since its origin, the Höpgen name has come to represent a proud family, one that is closely linked to the land and the changing tide of history. Their unique identity and shared roots have allowed them to stay connected even when they have spread out around the world. Today, almost 350 people spread across several countries proudly carry the surname Höpgen, keeping alive a family tradition of hard work, strong faith and a love of the land.

Höpgen: Where does the name Höpgen come from?

The last name Höpgen is a common surname, particularly in central and western Europe. It is primarily found in countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as in neighboring countries where Germanic influences can be seen. In Germany, it is most commonly found in the western and southwestern parts of the country.

In Austria, it is primarily found in the southern and western regions of the country. Swiss records indicate that the surname is quite popular in the country, particularly Achim Höpgen living in Kanton Schaffhausen. Records also indicate that the surname can be found on the outskirts of towns around the Swiss border in Germany, as well as in adjoining regions of France and Luxemburg where German-influenced culture persists.

The surname is likely derived from the Germanic root word "höpf", which means to jump or leap. This could allude to either an athletic ancestor or a powerful hunter leaping upon his prey. It could also be indicative of a pilgrim - hopping from church sanctuary to church sanctuary.

Whatever the origin, one fact remains clear - the surname Höpgen is relatively common in Europe today, particularly in the areas of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Variations of the surname Höpgen

The surname Höpgen has many variants, spellings, and surnames stemming from the same origin. It is a surname of German origin, and many of its variants and spellings are derived from the Old German language. Common variants and spellings of Höpgen include Hopkin, Hopeken, Haapken, Hoppecken, Hopken, Hopkens, Hoopkens, Hopgen, Hoepgen, and Hopgens.

Surnames of a similar or same origin to Höpgen include Heppen, Höppen, Hüppen, Hoppen, Heppens, Höppens, Hoppens, Hipen, Heppink, Hüppink, Heppenkötter, Hoppenkötter, Hüppenkötter, Hebbeken, Hebeeken, Hempken, Henken, Hopfer, Hoppefer, Hoppman, and Hopmann.

Further spelling variations of the surname include Hoogen, Hooggen, Hogen, Hogenhagen, Hoegen, Hegen, Heggan, Hegenhagen, Hoggen, Heggen, Hegenvogel, Hecgen, Heggenvoegel, Hooghgen, Heughan, Hougen, and Hoggan. Additionally, other surnames with similar origins and spellings to Höpgen are Huetten and Huettenhagen.

In conclusion, the surname Höpgen has many variants, spellings, and surnames of similar and same origin. Common spellings and variants of the surname are derived from the Old German language, and many of the names are derived from nicknames for professions, physical characteristics, or locations.

Famous people with the name Höpgen

• Elke Höpgen: Elke Höpgen is a German figure skater, who competed in both singles’ and pairs’ categories. She is the 1987 German Champion.
• Calle Höpgen: Calle Höpgen is a former professional footballer for Borussia Mönchengladbach. He has appeared in the German Bundesliga, as well as in European competition, and was honored as German Footballer of the Year in 1991.
• Hilmar Höpgen: Hilmar Höpgen is the current Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover. He is also active in ecumenical dialogues and in the World Council of Churches.
• Gustl Höpgen: Gustl Höpgen was a figure skater who represented West Germany at the World Figure Skating Championships in 1976 and won the German Figure Skating Championships four times between 1973 and 1978.
• Ulli Höpgen: Ulli Höpgen is a former professional long-distance runner who represented West Germany at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
• Nikolaus Höpgen: Nikolaus Höpgen is a German rower who won gold at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
• Schorsch Höpgen: Schorsch Höpgen was a German footballer who earned 15 caps with the West Germany national team.
• Josef Höpgen: Josef Höpgen was a German professional cyclist who competed in the Tour de France three times.
• Jürgen Höpgen: Jürgen Höpgen is a German actor and dramaturge, best known for his role in the film Die Siebente Saite.

Other surnames

Höpgens