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Last Name Hot

What is the origin of the last name Hot?

The surname "Hot" is of Old French origin, derived from the Middle French word "haut", meaning "high". It was most commonly used as a toponymic name for someone who lived in a high place or on a hill. This name was brought to England by the Normans in 1066 and later spread throughout Europe, appearing in various forms such as Haut, Hoch, Hohe, etc., depending on the language and region. It can also be found in several countries like France, Germany, England, and Poland. Over time, it has been anglicized to Hot.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hot

The meaning and origin of the last name Hot

The surname "Hot" is relatively uncommon and has diverse origins. In English-speaking countries, it could be a variant of the English occupational name "Hote," derived from Middle English "hote" meaning "hot, heated," which was used for someone who worked as a hot-metal worker or hot-water bearer. Alternatively, in some Scandinavian and Germanic cultures, Hot could be a shortened form of the given name Hothere or Hotere, originating from the Old Norse name "Hóðr" or "Hǫðr," which means "high-minded." In Eastern European countries like Russia, the surname Hot may stem from the Russian word "Горький" (Gorkiy), meaning "bitter," although this is less common in Western cultures. Like many surnames, its usage and spelling have evolved over time, leading to its current diversity in form and origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hot

The last name Hot is predominantly of East Asian origin, with a significant concentration in China and Korea. It's most frequently found in the provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, Anhui, and Henan in China, as well as in Jeolla-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, and Gyeongsangbuk-do in South Korea. The name also appears with lesser frequency in Japan, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. In recent years, due to migration and assimilation, Hot can be found globally among East Asian diaspora communities, particularly in North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hot

The last name "Hot" has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include Hott, Hoat, Höt, Höte, and Hocht. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or assimilation into other languages. For instance, in German-speaking regions, "Hot" could be transliterated as "Höte" or "Hocht". Similarly, in some Scandinavian countries, it might be spelled as Hott or Hoat due to the influence of the local language phonetics. These variations serve as a reminder of the diversity and fluidity of surnames across history and geography.

Famous people with the last name Hot

Notable individuals with the surname Hot include:

1. David Hot (born 1963), a French violinist and conductor who has performed worldwide with various orchestras and ensembles.
2. Jean-Pierre Hot (1947-1985), a French writer and photographer, known for his work in Africa during the 1970s and '80s, including documenting the independence of Chad.
3. Hôtel-Dieu de Paris, also known as Hôtel-Dieu de Beauville, was a hospital in Paris established by Charlemagne in the 8th century, which became one of the oldest hospitals in Europe and played a significant role in the development of modern medicine. Although it's not an individual, its long history and impact make it notable for people bearing the name Hot.
4. In popular culture, Hot Fuss is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band The Killers, released in 2004, which contained hits like "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me." While the members of the band do not share the last name Hot, the album's title serves as a notable reference to the surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Hot

The surname Hot is of French origin, derived from the Old French 'Haut', meaning high or tall. It was originally a topographic name for someone who lived on a hill or elevated ground, or a nickname for a tall person. The earliest recorded spelling of this name appears to be Hauz in the 12th century in Normandy, France. The Normans, under William the Conqueror, invaded England in 1066 and many families with the name Hot migrated to England, where it became a common surname. Notable individuals bearing this name include Jean Hot (1546-1623), a French astronomer, and John Hot (died 1738), an English philologist. The Hot family also played significant roles in the history of Scotland, particularly in the Borders region. Variations of the name include Haut, Hoat, Hotte, and Hote.

Last name distribution maps

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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 June 2025

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