The surname Hiott is believed to have French origins. It is derived from the Old French word "hiot" which means "little goat." Over time, it has been spelled and pronounced differently across various regions, leading to variations such as Hiot, Hyot, Hiott, Heiot, and others.
As with many surnames, changes in spelling often occurred due to factors like local dialects, transcription errors, and personal preference during migrations or census recordings over the centuries. In North America, it is most commonly found among French-speaking descendants of Huguenots who migrated from France during the 17th century.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Hiott
The meaning and origin of the last name Hiott
The surname Hiott is primarily of French origin, specifically from the Norman region in France. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "huitier," meaning a boatman or ferryman. Over time, the spelling evolved into various forms, including Huyot, Huet, and Hiott, as a result of linguistic changes and regional dialects. The surname subsequently spread throughout France and other European countries due to various historical events such as the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, where many Normans settled in England and adopted English forms of their names. As a result, surnames like Hiott can be found not only in France but also in English-speaking countries like the United States.
Geographical distribution of the last name Hiott
The surname Hiott is predominantly found in the southern United States, particularly in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. It is believed to have originated from the Norman region of France, where it was originally spelled as Heurt or Hiot. During the 18th century, French Huguenots immigrated to America, contributing to the spread of this surname in the colonies. Over time, variations such as Hiott, Heat, Heyot, and Het have emerged due to phonetic changes and regional dialects. Today, while still concentrated in the Southeast, the distribution of the Hiott surname has expanded across other parts of the United States, albeit sparsely, reflecting the historical migration patterns of its bearers.
Variants and spellings of the last name Hiott
The surname Hiott can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcribing, translating, and recording over time. Some common variations include Hiotte, Hyott, Hetott, Heyott, Heyot, Hiatt, Hyat, Hiett, Hiyot, and Hyeot. These variations may arise from changes in spelling conventions or regional dialects, as well as errors made during census-taking or other record-keeping processes. Despite the differences in spelling, all of these variants can be traced back to the original name, which is believed to have originated from a Norman French personal name composed of the elements "hiot" or "hieu," meaning "yew tree," and "-ot," a diminutive suffix.
Famous people with the last name Hiott
Notable individuals with the surname Hiott include:
1. James A. Hiott (1926-1945): A United States Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II. He served as a staff sergeant in the 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, and was killed in action on Iwo Jima.
2. Jerry Hiott (born 1958): An American former professional basketball player who played for teams such as the Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, and Denver Nuggets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a two-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
3. J.C. Hiott: An American musician who is best known as the bassist for the band The Gourds. He has also released music under the names JCHiotts and J.C. & The Nuns.
4. Leland Hiott (1905-1978): An American lawyer, politician, and businessman who served as Governor of South Dakota from 1961 to 1965. He was previously the state's Attorney General and later worked in the lumber industry.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including military service, sports, music, and politics.
Genealogical research on the last name Hiott
The Hiott surname is believed to have originated from the Normandy region of France. The name is derived from the Old French "huit" meaning 'eight', indicating an eighth child in a family or perhaps denoting someone who lived on a property with eight units. The name was brought to England by Norman conquerors following the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and subsequently spread across the British Isles during the Middle Ages. Notable Hiott families can be traced back to counties such as Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Kent in England. The surname later migrated to America, primarily through colonial settlements along the eastern seaboard, with significant populations found in states like Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania by the 18th century. Variations of the name include Het, Heyott, Heiot, and Heyot.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname Hiot is of French origin. It derives from the Old Occitan word "iot," meaning "yew tree." This surname was originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a ye...
