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Last Name Hohenegger

What is the origin of the last name Hohenegger?

The surname Hohenegger is of German origin and is derived from the word "Hohenegger," which means "person from Hohenegg." Hohenegg is a place name in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and is derived from the Middle High German word "hôhen" meaning "high" and "egg" meaning "corner" or "sharp peak." Therefore, the surname Hohenegger likely started as a locational surname to describe someone who lived in or near the area of Hohenegg. Over time, this name would have been passed down through generations to become a hereditary surname.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Hohenegger

The meaning and origin of the last name Hohenegger

Hohenegger is a German surname that originated from the region of Bavaria in southern Germany. The name is of toponymic origin, derived from the word "hohen" meaning "high" or "tall" and "egger" which refers to a hill or peak. Therefore, Hohenegger likely referred to someone who lived on or near a high hill or peak in the area. The name may have also been given to someone who possessed qualities associated with height or prominence. The distribution of the surname Hohenegger is still primarily located in Germany, particularly in the region of Bavaria where it likely originated. Today, individuals with the surname Hohenegger can be found not only in Germany but also in countries where German immigrants settled, such as the United States and Austria.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hohenegger

The last name Hohenegger is most commonly found in Austria, particularly in the regions of Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Salzburg. It is believed to have originated from the Swiss-German name Hohenacker, which means "high plowed field." The name has also spread to neighboring countries such as Germany and Switzerland, where there are smaller but still significant populations of Hoheneggers. In the United States, the name is relatively rare but can be found in states with large German immigrant populations, such as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Hohenegger is primarily concentrated in central Europe, particularly in Austria, where it has a long history and continues to be a prominent surname in certain regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hohenegger

The last name Hohenegger has various variations and spellings, including Hohenager, Hohenneger, Hoheneggeri, Hoheneggerer, and Hohennegar. These variations may be the result of different dialects, pronunciation changes over time, or transcription errors. The name is of German origin, with "Hohen" meaning "high" or "tall" and "Egger" referring to a farm laborer or farmer. The Hohenegger surname likely originated as a descriptive name for someone who lived or worked on a high farm or in the mountains. It is relatively uncommon, and individuals with this last name may be found primarily in German-speaking regions such as Austria, Switzerland, and southern Germany. Despite the different spellings, all variations of the Hohenegger surname are likely linked by a common ancestral origin.

Famous people with the last name Hohenegger

One famous person with the last name Hohenegger is Thomas Hohenegger, a renowned film historian and author known for his work on Hollywood history and silent films. He has written several well-received books on the subject, including "The Emergence of Los Angeles Silent Film Culture" and "Pioneers of the Hollywood Cinema." Another notable individual with the last name Hohenegger is Stefan Hohenegger, a successful businessman and entrepreneur in the tech industry. He is known for his innovative approach to business and has founded several successful startups in the field of software development and digital marketing. Both Thomas and Stefan Hohenegger have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have helped to shape the industries in which they work.

Genealogical research on the last name Hohenegger

The surname Hohenegger is of Austrian origin, derived from the German word "hohen" which means high or tall, and "egger" which means farmer. The name may have originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived in a high or elevated area, or as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a farmer on high or hilly land. Research on the genealogy of the Hohenegger name shows that it is concentrated in the Tyrol region of Austria, particularly in the areas of Innsbruck and Schwaz. The earliest recorded instances of the Hohenegger surname date back to the 16th century. Throughout history, individuals with the Hohenegger surname have been involved in various occupations including farming, carpentry, and trade. Today, the name is still relatively uncommon, with a small number of individuals bearing the Hohenegger surname scattered across Austria and other parts of Europe.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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