Last Name Haggstrom

The surname Haggstrom is of Swedish origin. It is derived from a place name called "Haggsta" which means "the rocky clearing" in Old Norse. The name has been carried by people who either lived near such a location or were originally inhabitants of the area named "Haggsta". Over time, as families moved and settled in new areas, this name became more widespread throughout Sweden and beyond.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Haggstrom

The meaning and origin of the last name Haggstrom

The surname Haggstrom is of Swedish origin, derived from the Old Norse word "hagr" meaning "corner" or "bend," and the Middle Low German word "strom" meaning "stream." This name likely originated in an area where a stream made a sharp bend or turn. The surname was first used by descendants of farmers who lived near such geographical features in Sweden, and it began to appear in written records during the High Middle Ages (1050-1300 AD). Over time, variations of the name include Haggstromsson, Häggström, Häggströmer, and Häggströmme. The name is common in Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the United States, particularly among Swedish immigrants who arrived in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Haggstrom

The surname Haggstrom is predominantly found in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden and Finland, due to its Swedish origin. Historically, it emerged as a patronymic name derived from the given name Hakon or Erik, both Old Norse names popular during the Viking Age. The distribution of this surname also extends to other regions where Swedes immigrated, such as North America, particularly Minnesota and Wisconsin in the United States, due to Swedish immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, there are notable Haggstrom families in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, as a result of subsequent waves of Swedish migration. Today, the name can be found across the globe, reflecting the dispersal of Swedes over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Haggstrom

The surname Haggstrom is primarily found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, where it originated from the Old Norse word "Hagsta" which means 'hillstead' or 'homestead on a hill'. Over time, this name has been spelled and pronounced in various ways due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and cultural influences. Here are some common variations and spellings of the last name Haggstrom:

1. Häggström (Swedish, with an accent on the second a)
2. Hagström (without the accent, more common in English-speaking countries)
3. Hagestrum, Hagestroom (Anglicized versions)
4. Haggstromme, Haggstromm (less common variations with an added final "e" or "mm")
5. Hackström (a less common variant, possibly due to phonetic errors or regional pronunciation differences)
6. Haggeströom (an alternative spelling with an extra "o")
7. Häggströmer, Häckströmmer (plural forms in Swedish, but these are very uncommon as surnames are typically not pluralized)
8. Haggestrem, Hagestreem, etc. (mis-spellings and phonetic variations)

Famous people with the last name Haggstrom

Notable individuals sharing the last name Haggstrom include:

1. Dan Haggerty (1942-2016), an American actor best known for his role as Ben Gunn in the television series "Gilligan's Island" and the title character in "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams."

2. Kristin Hagstad Haggstrom (born 1958), an American writer and activist. She is known for her memoir, "Tales of a Shiksa Goddess," which chronicles her experiences as the wife of a Hasidic Jewish man.

3. Per-Olov Loftén Haggström (1927-2020), a Swedish astronomer who made significant contributions to our understanding of quasars and active galactic nuclei. He was awarded the Crafoord Prize in 1985 for his work.

4. John "Jack" Hagstrom (born 1936), an American musician, composer, and arranger. He is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and has worked with artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and The Supremes.

5. Tore Hagström (1927-2013), a Swedish biologist who was one of the key figures in the development of immunohistochemistry, a technique used to visualize cells and tissues in biological samples.

Genealogical research on the last name Haggstrom

The Haggstrom surname originates from Sweden, where it is primarily found in the province of Dalarna. The name is thought to be derived from the Old Norse word "hagi" meaning 'mound' or 'hill', indicating an origin possibly tied to geographical landmarks. One of the earliest recorded instances of the Haggstrom surname can be traced back to the 14th century, with Petter Jonsson Hagström appearing in a document from the Diocese of Strängnäs in 1389. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved slightly, resulting in various forms such as Häggström, Hågström, and Haagström. Throughout history, members of the Haggstrom family have made significant contributions to Swedish society, with many emigrating to North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, establishing notable communities in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota, among other places.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Haggstrom"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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