NomOrigine Background

Last Name Hoppenot

What is the origin of the last name Hoppenot?

The surname Hoppenot is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically "Hoppenot" which was recorded as "Hopinot" during the Middle Ages in the arrondissement of Besançon, Doubs, France. This toponymic surname is thought to have originated from "haut pont," meaning high bridge in French. People bearing this surname would have originally lived near a notable or high bridge.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hoppenot

The meaning and origin of the last name Hoppenot

The surname Hoppenot is of French origin, specifically from the region of Alsace, which was historically part of Germany but is now in eastern France. The name is derived from a topographical or occupational designation, indicating either someone who lived near a hop yard (from the Old French "hoppe" for hop and "not" meaning near or at) or possibly a cooper (a barrel maker), as the word "houppe" in some regional dialects of French was used to refer to a type of wooden tub or barrel. Over time, variations such as Haupper, Hopper, and Hoppenot have emerged due to phonetic changes and local dialects. The name is relatively uncommon outside the Alsace region, but it has been found among early French settlers in North America, particularly in Pennsylvania.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hoppenot

The surname Hoppenot has its origins primarily in France, particularly in the regions of Alsace and Lorraine. Historically, these areas were under Germanic influence, which may account for the German-sounding name. The largest concentration of individuals bearing this last name can be found in these French provinces. A significant number of Hoppenot descendants are also found in North America, predominantly in Canada and the United States, as a result of immigration waves from France during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Smaller groups reside in other European countries such as Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, where the name may have been taken by individuals or families fleeing religious persecution or seeking economic opportunities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hoppenot

The surname Hoppenot has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Happnaut, Hapenot, Hoppenaud, Hoppenauth, Hoppenau, Hoppenaudt, and Hoppenaute. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, transliteration from other languages, or the passage of time. It's also common for surnames to evolve over generations and geographical locations, which could account for these differences. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name Hoppenot (or its variations) is relatively uncommon, making it a unique family name for many individuals bearing it.

Famous people with the last name Hoppenot

The Hoppenot family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of science, Jean Hoppenot (1907-2004) was a renowned Belgian crystallographer who made significant contributions to the understanding of the crystal structure of organic and inorganic compounds.

In the world of art, Edouard Hoppenot (1865-1936), a French painter, was known for his landscapes and still lifes, particularly influenced by Impressionism. His works were part of numerous exhibitions, including the Salon des Artistes Français.

In the sports arena, Yves Hoppenot (born 1948) is a retired professional tennis player from France. He reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 1973 and won several doubles titles throughout his career.

Lastly, in the field of academia, Pierre Hoppenot (1906-1988), a French historian, was recognized for his research on medieval history, particularly the Crusades and the role of the Church in feudal societies. His works have contributed significantly to our understanding of this period.

Genealogical research on the last name Hoppenot

The surname Hoppenot originates from France and is believed to have derived from the Old French word "hoper" meaning 'to hope' or 'to wait', and "not", a diminutive suffix, indicating a nickname for someone who waited patiently. The first known record of this name was found in Normandy during the 13th century, with Guillaume Hoppenot appearing in the tax rolls of that region.

Throughout the centuries, variations of the name such as Hopennot, Hopenod, and Hoppenoud have been recorded. The family migrated to Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands during the Middle Ages, establishing prominent lineages across these countries. During the 17th and 18th centuries, members of the Hoppenot family played significant roles in the French Revolution, with several individuals serving as officers or fighting for the cause of liberty.

In more recent history, descendants of the Hoppenot family can be found worldwide, particularly in France, the United States, Canada, and Australia, where they have contributed to various fields such as politics, science, art, and business. Genealogical research continues to uncover new branches and connections within this extensive lineage, reflecting its rich history and ongoing influence.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Hopefull (Last name)

surnames > hopefull

The surname Hopefull is of German origin, deriving from the Old High German word "hoh," meaning "high" or "tall," and the word "volf," meaning "wolf." This surname may have origina...

Hopey (Last name)

surnames > hopey

The last name "Hopey" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hop" meaning valley or small enclosed area, and is likely an occupational surname for someone w...

Hoppen (Last name)

surnames > hoppen

The last name "Hoppen" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle Low German word "hoppe," which means "to hop" or "to leap." This could have originally been a nickname for...

Hoppenstedt (Last name)

surnames > hoppenstedt

The surname Hoppenstedt is of German origin. It is a habitational name for someone from any of various places called Hoppenstedt in northern Germany. The name is derived from the M...

Hopper (Last name)

surnames > hopper

The last name "Hopper" has English origins. It is derived from the Middle English word "hop," which refers to a plant used in brewing beer. The name likely started as an occupation...

Hopue (Last name)

surnames > hopue

The surname Hopue is of German origin, derived from the Old High German personal name Hupold. It is a variant of the surname Huber, which originally referred to a landowner or mana...