Surname Hopt - Meaning and Origin
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Hopt: What does the surname Hopt mean?
The last name Hopt is derived from the Middle High German word "hôpfe," which means "dance, jump, leap". This indicates that the original bearer of the name was someone who demonstrated such behavior or characteristics. This could have been due to a swiftness of action, a light and graceful gait, or even a tendency to leap into action rather than think before doing so.
The name has developed in various forms in different countries over the centuries, with related variations such as Hopf, Hopfer, Hopp, Hoppe, Hofs, Hopkins and Hopper among others.
The meaning of the name is closely related to the Latin word "saltare," meaning “to dance,” so the surname may have been given to a skilled dancer or athlete. It may have also been used as a nickname for someone with an energetic, active disposition.
The name has its home in Central and Eastern Europe, but its Germanic roots suggest that it could have made its way to other countries. Perhaps the family had a French or Dutch ancestor who changed the spelling or pronunciation of the name, or perhaps the family merely moved across the continent at some point in their honors.
Whatever its origin, the last name Hopt today is a testament to the energy, strength, and grace of those who bore it.
Order DNA origin analysisHopt: Where does the name Hopt come from?
The last name Hopt is common today primarily in parts of northern Europe. It is most prevalent in Norway and Germany, where it is estimated that almost 7,000 and 8,000 people respectively bear the surname. Additionally, Hopt is also found in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark, although in smaller numbers.
The surname comes from the Old High German word "hoft", meaning "garden". This likely referred to a person who lived near or worked in a garden. It is speculated that the surname was popular among "Landbouchers" – people who worked in the agricultural sector, as well as artisans, farmers, and traders.
The surname Hopt is also considered to be a localised surname, which means that it is likely associated with a particular location or region. In this case, it is particularly associated with the area known as Oldenburg, and Lower Saxony in Germany.
Finally, the surname can also be found in other countries around the world, such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. As a result of large-scale emigration from Europe, the surname is slowly becoming more prevalent in North America and other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Hopt
The surname Hopt is believed to have originated in Germany, and is primarily found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Variations, spellings, and alternate surnames for this name include Hopth, Hopte, and Hoptes.
The earliest form of the name is Hopte, which was a German contraction of the personal name "Hupprecht", which is a combination of two Germanic elements, "hup", meaning "hope", and "recht", meaning "right". This suggests a meaning of "hopeful or confident".
The spelling form Hopt is believed to have developed as a diminutive of the Hopte form, this would mean "small hope" or "hope for the future", while Hopth would be a version of the name taken from Middle High German, and means "desire".
Other alternate forms of the name include Hopp, the Middle High German form, which was a shortening of the personal name, Hobrecht, which combined a Middle High German element of "hob", meaning "hope", and "recht", meaning "good counsel".
Other variations of the name could include Hopott, Hopschel, Hopter, and Hoptauer. There are also versions of the name used for geographic locations, such as Hopteberg and Hopten.
These alternate forms of the name are all believed to have the same root origin of the early personal name, but have taken different spellings and meanings over time.
Famous people with the name Hopt
- Alexander Hopt: Alexander Hopt is a former professional Austrian ice hockey player. He played in the Austrian Hockey League (EBEL) for EC-KAC and VSV and was captain of the Austria men's national ice hockey team during the 2006 Winter Olympics.
- Marcel Hopt: Marcel Hopt is an Austrian professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for Klagenfurter AC in the EBEL.
- Alexander Hopt Jr.: Son of Alexander Hopt, Alexander Hopt Jr. is a former professional ice hockey player who currently serves as an assistant coach for the Austria men's national ice hockey team.
- Jens Hopt: Jens Hopt is a Norwegian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for Esbjerg Energy in the Metal Ligaen in Denmark.
- Georg Hopt: Georg Hopt is a former professional ice hockey player who represented Austria at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
- Alfred Hopt: Alfred Hopt was a professional ice hockey goaltender who played for The Calgary Cowboys in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1977.
- Harald Hopt: Harald Hopt is a former professional ice hockey player who represented Austria at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.