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Last Name Hobe

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What is the origin of the last name Hobe?

The surname Hobe is of Germanic origin. It derives from the Old High German word "hoba," which meant "shepherd" or "herdsman." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have varied due to regional dialects and changes in language usage. The name can also be found as Hobbes, Hobeck, Hoebel, and others, depending on the specific family lineage.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Hobe

The surname Hobe is of Germanic origin, specifically from the Old High German "hoba" or "hofa," which means "gable" or "roof." It was often given as an occupational name to someone who worked in construction, particularly one who built gables and roofs. Alternatively, it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived on a steep hill, where the houses had gabled roofs. The name was later brought to England by German settlers during the Middle Ages and gradually spread throughout Europe due to migration and colonization. Today, the surname Hobe can be found predominantly in Germany, France, and the English-speaking world, with variations including Hobbs, Hofe, and Hoeb.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hobe

The surname Hobe is predominantly found in Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, where it originated. It is also present in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as Switzerland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. According to genealogical data, the earliest records of the name date back to medieval times in the Rhine region of Germany. Over the centuries, its distribution expanded across central Europe, largely due to migration and assimilation patterns. In recent times, some individuals with the surname Hobe have migrated to other parts of the world, including North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand, albeit in smaller numbers compared to its European population. The majority of people bearing the name Hobe can be found in Germany, Austria, and neighboring regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hobe

The surname Hobe has several variations and spellings. The most common spelling is "Hobe," but it can also be found as "Hobé," "Höbe," or "Hoeb." These variations primarily come from differences in the way names are pronounced and written in different regions, languages, or historical periods. Other related forms of this surname might include Hobbes, Hobbis, Hobbeson, Hobbisson, Hobbsen, Hobisen, and so on, reflecting possible phonetic adaptations over time and across cultures. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a direct familial connection between individuals with different spellings of the name, as they may have originated from separate lineages.

Famous people with the last name Hobe

Notable individuals with the surname Hobe include:

1. Albert Hobe-Kofoed (1903-1987), Danish composer and conductor, known for his work with the Royal Danish Opera and Danish National Symphony Orchestra.
2. Alexander Hobe (born 1945), German actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including 'Das Boot' and 'Forsthaus Falkenau'.
3. Christian Wilhelm Hobe (1786-1842), Danish astronomer, mathematician, and educator, known for his work on comets and the use of Foucault pendulums to demonstrate the Earth's rotation.
4. Frank Hobe (born 1957), American sculptor and installation artist who has exhibited works worldwide, exploring themes of transformation, impermanence, and human connection.
5. Karl Friedrich Hobe (1806-1882), Danish architect who designed numerous buildings in Copenhagen, including the main building of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Hobe

The Hobe surname is believed to have originated in Germany and Switzerland. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a hill or mountain, derived from the Old High German word "hoh" meaning high or steep. One of the earliest records of the name was found in a document from Swabia, dated 1275 AD. The Hobe family expanded throughout Germany and Switzerland during the Middle Ages, with notable branches in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and St. Gallen.

In the 16th century, some members of the Hobe family immigrated to France, settling primarily in Alsace. The name is also found in smaller numbers in other European countries such as Austria and Italy, possibly due to migration during the Middle Ages or the Holy Roman Empire's territorial expansions.

The Hobe family made their way to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, predominantly settling in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. In recent years, the Hobe surname has been found across the United States, with significant populations in California and Florida.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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