Last Name Higbee

The surname Higbee is of English origin. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from the place named Higby, which was likely located in Yorkshire, England. The name Higbee is thought to derive from the Old Norse words "hig", meaning "mind" or "thought", and "byr", meaning "settlement" or "farm". Therefore, the surname Higbee might have originally denoted someone who resided at or near a settlement associated with "mind" or "thought". Over time, variations of the name, such as Higbie or Higge, might have emerged.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Higbee

The meaning and origin of the last name Higbee

The surname Higbee is of English origin and has several possible etymological origins. One theory suggests that it could be derived from the Old English personal name "Hig". This name is an abbreviated form of given names such as Higdaeg or Higbeald, which were common in the Middle Ages. Another possibility is that it could be a locational surname, derived from a place name. In this case, it may have originated from a now-lost village or a hamlet called "Higbea" or similar, which would have referred to a high or elevated area. Variations of the surname have been found in various English counties throughout history, including Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. Over time, families with the surname Higbee may have migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, where the name has persisted and been passed down through generations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Higbee

The last name Higbee is relatively rare and primarily found in the United States of America. The geographical distribution of the surname Higbee is concentrated mainly in the western region of the country, specifically in the states of Utah, Idaho, California, and Oregon. It is believed that the name originated from England and was brought to the United States by immigrants. Over time, some members of the Higbee family migrated to other parts of the United States, spreading the name to different states such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas, although in smaller numbers. Additionally, there are a few scattered occurrences of the name in Canada and Australia, suggesting that some individuals with the Higbee surname have migrated to these countries as well. However, the vast majority of individuals with the last name Higbee can still be found in the western states of the USA.

Variants and spellings of the last name Higbee

The last name Higbee has a few variations and spellings that have emerged over time. One common variation is Higbie, where the final "ee" is replaced with "ie." Another possible variation is Higbe, where the ending "bee" is changed to just "be." In some cases, the name might also be spelled as Higby, where the "ee" is replaced with a single "y." Furthermore, some individuals might choose to hyphenate the name as Higbee-Jones or Higbee-Smith, incorporating another surname to create a new family name. These variations and spellings could be a result of different family branches adopting different variations over generations, or they might have originated from phonetic or clerical errors when the name was recorded. Regardless of the spelling or variation, the Higbee surname remains a unique and distinctive identifier for those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Higbee

One famous individual with the last name Higbee is Todd Higbee, a professional American football player who played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Todd had a successful career as a member of the St. Louis Rams, where he played for seven seasons from 2008 to 2014. He was known for his exceptional blocking skills and played an important role in the Rams' offense during their successful seasons. Todd Higbee's contributions helped the team secure multiple victories, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. His dedication to the sport and strong work ethic made him a respected player in the NFL. Please note that there aren't many well-known famous individuals with the last name Higbee, so the description is centered around one notable person.

Genealogical research on the last name Higbee

The last name Higbee is of English origin and can be traced back to the medieval times. The earliest known record of the Higbee surname dates back to the 13th century in the county of Staffordshire, England. Over time, the name spread to other regions of England, including Warwickshire and Essex. In the early 18th century, some Higbee families migrated to the American colonies, particularly to Massachusetts and Rhode Island. One notable figure with the Higbee surname is Ebenezer Higbee, who was born in 1806 in New York. He married Martha Smith in 1827 and had several children. The Higbee family expanded across the United States, with branches settling in different states such as Illinois, Utah, and California. Today, the Higbee surname continues to be passed down through generations, and individuals with this name can be found across the United States and other English-speaking countries. Genealogical research on the Higbee family can further reveal specific family connections, migrations, and notable individuals who have contributed to the name's history.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Higbee"
• 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 April 2025

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