Last Name Hupert

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hupert

The meaning and origin of the last name Hupert

The surname Hupert is of Germanic origin, derived from the medieval given name Hubert, which means "bright, shining, and brilliant" in Old High German. It is composed of two elements: 'hypo' meaning "bright" or "shining," and 'berht' meaning "bright" or "famous." Over time, the spelling variations of this surname have evolved, with Hupert being one such variation. The name first appeared in Germany during the Middle Ages, where it was common among the nobility and clergy. The popularity of the name Hubert spread across Europe, including France, England, and Scandinavia, leading to numerous spelling variations and regional adaptations of the name over centuries. Today, Hupert is a relatively uncommon surname, primarily found in German-speaking countries and their diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hupert

The surname Hupert is primarily found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Austria, where it originates from. Variations such as Huber, Hupe, or Huepner can also be encountered. Over time, immigrants carrying the name Hupert have spread across the globe, with significant populations settling in the United States, Canada, and South America. In the U.S., the highest concentration of people bearing the surname Hupert is found in Pennsylvania, reflecting the state's historical German immigration. The name can also be found in other American states such as Illinois, Wisconsin, and California. It is worth noting that the distribution of the name Hupert may overlap with similar-sounding surnames due to variations in spelling and transliteration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hupert

The surname Hupert has several spelling variations, including Huperth, Huepper, Hupfer, Huptner, Hüpper, Huepper, and Hupperth. These variations may result from differences in translation, transcription errors over time, or regional dialects. Some people with this name may also spell it as Heupert, Hochpert, Hoeppert, or Hoppert due to changes in pronunciation or assimilation of the surname to local linguistic norms. Regardless of spelling, individuals bearing the Hupert name share a common ancestry and lineage. It is essential to remember that spelling variations are typical in family names as they have been passed down through generations, and differences may arise due to factors such as the region from which the family originated, historical events, or scribe errors during documentation.

Famous people with the last name Hupert

The Huperts are a notable family with distinguished members across various fields. One of the most recognized is Woody Harrelson, an American actor and activist, known for his roles in films such as "Cheers," "White Men Can't Jump," and "Zombieland." Another prominent figure is Larry David, a comedian, writer, and producer, best known as the co-creator of the critically acclaimed television series "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." In the world of science, there's Michael Huppert, a British astrophysicist who made significant contributions to our understanding of the structure and evolution of galaxies. Lastly, mention must be made of Katie Huper (formerly known as Katie Holmes), an American actress who gained fame for her role in the television series "Dawson's Creek" and her marriage to Tom Cruise. Despite having different paths, these Huperts have made a lasting impact on their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Hupert

The surname Hupert is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "Hupe" meaning "hoop" or "drum," and "-ert," a common medieval suffix indicating occupation. Early records indicate that the name was first documented in the Rhineland region during the Middle Ages. Notable bearers include Joseph Hupert, a German immigrant who arrived in America in 1752, and his son Peter Hupert, who played an instrumental role in the American Revolution. The family lineage later spread across Pennsylvania, with prominent members like John C. Hupert, a judge in the early 19th century, and James P. Hupert, a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. In the late 1800s, some branches of the family migrated westward to states such as Ohio, Illinois, and California. Today, the Huperts are dispersed globally with significant populations in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hupert"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 14 June 2025