Last Name Higbee

The surname Higbee is of English origin, and it is believed to have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a higher beech tree or perhaps a farm with such a feature. The Old English 'hig' means high and 'beoh' refers to the beech tree. The name may also be occupational, denoting a beekeeper, as 'bee' in Old English meant beech tree, and the worker was sometimes called 'bee-gatherer.'

Learn more about the origin of the last name Higbee

The meaning and origin of the last name Higbee

The surname Higbee is an English occupational name derived from the Old English term "hig" meaning "high" and "beo(w)" meaning "bee." It is believed that the original bearer of this name was either a keeper of bees located on a high place or a person who sold honey at a market stall situated in a higher location. The name can also be found spelled as Higebe, Higebi, or Higbie, reflecting various phonetic changes over time. The earliest recorded instance of the name is that of Robert le Highebi, who appeared in the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk in 1327. Today, the Higbee surname is found primarily among English-speaking populations, with significant concentrations in the United States and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Higbee

The last name Higbee is predominantly found in the English-speaking regions, particularly in England and the United States. In England, it is most concentrated in the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Wiltshire, areas with strong historical connections to the Norman Conquest where the name may have originated. In the United States, Higbee is most common in the Midwestern states, particularly Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska, possibly due to early English settlers who migrated westward during the 19th century. The name is also present in smaller numbers across Canada and Australia, countries with a strong British influence. Additionally, it can be found sparsely in other English-speaking countries such as Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Higbee

The surname Higbee has several variations and spellings, offering numerous ways to trace its history. Some common spelling variations include Higby, Hygbee, Hygebe, Higbie, Higbe, Higgbee, Higgby, Higgbie, Higgbee, Higgbi, Higbee-Lewis, Higbieson, and Higbeau. These variations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during record keeping, or individual preference. Despite these differences, the root of these surnames can be traced back to the Middle English period, derived from the Old Norse name "Higbi" or "Hyggbi," meaning "judgment" or "thoughtful." This name was brought to England by Scandinavian settlers and gradually became more common in regions such as Cornwall and Devon. The Higbee family has been documented throughout history, with notable figures like Thomas Higbee, a colonial American soldier during the French and Indian War, and Ethel Lila Higbie, an American painter known for her landscapes and still lifes.

Famous people with the last name Higbee

Notable individuals bearing the surname Higbee include:

1. David Higbee (born 1963), an American writer and editor known for his work on "Star Trek" novels, particularly the "Rise of the Federation" series.

2. James Higbee (1802-1884), an English architect who designed several notable buildings in Liverpool, including the Central Library and St. George's Hall.

3. John Higbee (born 1957), a British author, journalist, and broadcaster. He is known for his books on military history and for presenting documentaries on BBC Radio 4.

4. Thomas William Higbee (1860-1929), an English architect who designed several buildings in Leicester, including the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery and the City Hall.

5. Tim Higbee (born 1971), an American baseball player who played for teams like the Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays during his professional career from 1993 to 2000.

Genealogical research on the last name Higbee

The surname Higbee is believed to have originated from the English-speaking world, with variations such as Higby and Higbe found in various regions. One of the earliest known instances of the name appears in the 13th century in Yorkshire, England, where it was recorded as "Hichebi." Over time, this name migrated to the United States, primarily due to the colonial expansion by the British. In America, the Higbee family can be traced back to Massachusetts during the 17th century, with prominent figures such as Jonathan Higbee (b. 1642) and his son Joseph Higbee (b. 1685) noted in historical records. The name is also found in other states like Ohio, Missouri, and Kansas, where the family settled during the westward expansion of the 19th century. Notable descendants include Benjamin F. Higbee, a U.S. Congressman from Iowa, and Charles J. Higbee, a prominent lawyer and banker from Illinois. Today, the Higbee lineage is scattered across North America, with many branches maintaining their family histories and connections through genealogical societies and online platforms.

Last name distribution maps

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 June 2025

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