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Last Name Hiegel

What is the origin of the last name Hiegel?

The surname Hiegel is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "higel," meaning "hedgehog" or "porcupine." It may have originally been a nickname given to someone who resembled a hedgehog in some way or who lived near hedges where hedgehogs were commonly found. The name could also have been occupational, referring to a person who worked with or hunted hedgehogs.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Hiegel

The meaning and origin of the last name Hiegel

The surname Hiegel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "hügel," meaning "hill" or "elevation." It is a topographic surname given to someone who lived near a hill or a raised piece of land. The name may have also been used as a nickname for someone who lived on a hill or had a prominent hill as part of their property. The surname Hiegel is relatively uncommon and is found primarily in Germany and the surrounding regions. Over time, variations of the name may have emerged as families migrated to different countries and adopted different spelling conventions. Today, individuals with the surname Hiegel can be found across the world, often with variations in the spelling of the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hiegel

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Variants and spellings of the last name Hiegel

The last name Hiegel can be found spelled and pronounced in various ways, such as Haigle, Heagel, Heigel, and Higgle. These variations are common in different regions and among different branches of the family. The surname may also be spelled differently due to changes in pronunciation over time or through errors in recording. Despite the different spellings, all variations of the Hiegel last name typically share the same origins and history. It is important to keep in mind that when researching or tracing genealogy, one may come across these varying spellings and should be open to exploring different possibilities to uncover more about their family history.

Famous people with the last name Hiegel

The most famous people with the last name Hiegel include John Hiegel, a renowned American actor known for his work in films such as "The Way We Were" and "The Reivers." Another well-known figure is Sarah Hiegel, a successful entrepreneur and founder of a popular fashion brand. Additionally, Jack Hiegel is a highly-respected journalist and award-winning writer, known for his insightful commentary on current events and social issues. These individuals have all made significant contributions to their respective fields and have garnered widespread recognition for their talents and achievements as Hiegels.

Genealogical research on the last name Hiegel

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 April 2025

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