Last Name Hoch

The surname Hoch is of German origin. It is derived from various place names in Germany and Austria that share the same root, meaning "high" or "elevated." Some examples of these places include Hochheim, Hochstetten, Hochkirch, and Hochburg. Over time, people who lived in or came from these areas adopted the name as a form of regional identification.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hoch

The meaning and origin of the last name Hoch

The surname Hoch is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "hoh" which means 'high' or 'tall'. It was often given as an occupational name for someone who lived on high ground, resided in a tall building, or had a tall stature. Alternatively, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived on a hill or elevated land, or a habitational name for someone from any of the numerous places named Hoch, Hohe, or Hoh, found throughout Germany. The surname Hoch is pronounced as 'hok' in English and has various spelling variations including Hoch, Hoch, Hocher, Hoher, etc., due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hoch

The surname Hoch is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Austria. It originates from the Middle High German word "hoh" which means high or noble. In Germany, it is most common in the southern states such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Hesse, reflecting the historical distribution of the German language and nobility. In Austria, Hoch is found primarily in the eastern regions such as Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Vienna. The name has also been brought to other parts of the world by German immigrants, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, South America, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hoch

The surname Hoch has several variants and spellings due to various factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and familial adaptations over time. Here are some common variations:

1. Hoch - this is the most standard spelling, originating from Germany.
2. Hock - an English variation of the name, which may also have a different meaning in English (meaning leg or knee).
3. Hoch - a variant with the same pronunciation as Hoch but with a different spelling, which is more common in certain German-speaking regions.
4. Hoché - a French version, pronounced similarly to Hoch but with an accented "e."
5. Hoke - a less common variation of the English and Dutch names Hoch or Hock.
6. Hoque - a rare variant that might be found in English, German, or Dutch-speaking communities.
7. Heke - a Scandinavian spelling of the name, pronounced similarly to Hoch but with a different root.
8. Hohe - another variant from German regions, pronounced identically to Hoch but with an "e" added at the end.
9. Hockh - a less common variation with a slightly altered spelling and pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Hoch

Notable individuals with the surname Hoch include:

1. Harold A. Hochschild (1886-1950), an American industrialist and philanthropist known for his involvement in the oil industry. He served as chairman of the board of the Gulf Oil Corporation from 1932 until his death.

2. Richard A. Hochschild (born 1947), an American mathematician specializing in the field of geometric group theory and hyperbolic geometry. He is a professor at the University of Virginia and has published numerous research papers on various mathematical topics.

3. Michael Hoch (1956-2018), a German musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist. As the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Falco, he achieved international fame with hits such as "Rock Me Amadeus" in the 1980s.

4. Daniel Hoch (born 1972), an American sculptor known for his large-scale public art installations made from recycled materials. His work often addresses environmental and social issues, earning him recognition within the contemporary art world.

Genealogical research on the last name Hoch

The surname Hoch is primarily of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "hoch" meaning high or tall. Early records show that the name was widespread in various regions of Germany, particularly in Bavaria and Swabia. Notable figures with the surname Hoch include Johann Adam Hoch, a 18th-century organist and composer, and Heinrich Hoch, a prominent German physician who made significant contributions to medical science in the 19th century. The family name is also found among early European settlers in North America, with records showing the arrival of several Hoch families in Pennsylvania during the 18th century. Over time, descendants of these immigrants have spread across various regions of the United States and Canada. Today, the surname Hoch can be found globally, with the highest concentrations in Germany, the United States, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hoch"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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