Surname Haug - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Navigating Through Time: Unveiling the Legacy of the Haug Surname with iGENEA DNA Test
Embark on a journey of self-discovery as I recount my experience with the iGENEA DNA test. Uncover the rich history of the Haug surname and explore the astonishing ancestral connections discovered through the iGENEA online database.
N. Haug
read moreHaug: What does the surname Haug mean?
The last name Haug is a Norwegian surname, often found throughout Northern Europe. Haug is derived from the Old Norse term “hof”, meaning a low-lying mound or hill. This term was commonly used to refer to burial mounds from the Viking Age that were used to place the cremated remains of the deceased. The surname was likely adopted by members of the Viking aristocracy, or those who claimed descent from them, to demonstrate their high social status or their noble ancestry.
The term “haug” appears in many place names across Norway, as well as in other Scandinavian countries. In some cases, the term was used to describe hills or incisions near rivers, while in others it referred to specific burial mounds. Given the prevalence of these place names and the Viking Age connection, people likely adopted the surname “Haug” to reference their connection to an ancient burial mound, sacred ground, or perhaps a beloved ancestor.
Today, Haug is a popular last name throughout Noirlands. It is believed that as many as 27,000 people may carry the Haug surname, primarily in Scandinavia. In some cases, it may be seen written as Hauge or Haavik, variations of the original Haug. In most cases, it still carries the same meaning, evoking a connection to an ancient Viking era full of adventure, courage, and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisHaug: Where does the name Haug come from?
The last name Haug is still fairly common in Norway and parts of Germany today. In Norway, it is the 22nd most common last name according to the population register at the start of 2020, due in large part to its popularity in the northeast and northern parts of the country where it is the 6th most common last name.
In Germany, the last name is less common with only an estimated 4,327 people with the name nationwide. Still, it has maintained its presence in the area since before the 15th century for both families from the upper-middle class and those in the lower-middle class. That said, the name is far more common in the northern regions near the North Sea and in the northern Rhineland than in other parts of the country.
Outside of Norway and Germany, the name is quite rare today. However, it can still be found scattered across parts of the United States, Canada, Sweden, and in some other parts of Europe, most notably partially preserved family lines in Russia and Ukraine.
Variations of the surname Haug
The surname Haug or Hauge is found commonly among Northern and Central European populations. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin of Haug include:
Hauge: This is the most common and traditional spelling of the surname. Hauge is the spelling used in Norway, Finland, and Denmark.
Haug/Haugen: This variation is found mainly in Norway where Haugen is the most commonly used spelling.
Hauck/Hauk/Hauke/Hauger/Hahk/Hahke: These variants are found mostly in Germany, though they can also be found in other countries. Hauck is the most commonly used variant in Germany while the other variants are used mainly in South Germany and Austria.
Hagger/Haager: These are variations that can be found mainly in Germany and Austria.
Hagg/Haggi/Haggis: These are variations that can be found in Switzerland.
Haugevold: This variation is found in Swedish and Norwegian populations.
Haugland: This variation is mostly used in Norway.
Haugstad/Haugset/Haugefoss: These variations are used mainly in Norway.
Haugerud/Haugenes: These are variations found in Sweden.
Other variants of the name are Haugberg, Haugvik, Haugjord, and Haugstads.
The surname can also be found in non-Germanic languages. For example, in France, Haug can be found spelled as Houg and Howe. In Italy, the spelling used is Haughe and in the Netherlands, the spelling is Haege or Hegge.
The spelling of the surname is very varied, and can depend on the country in which it is found. The spelling of the surname can also be influenced by the regional dialect in which it is used. It is important to note that the spelling of the surname can change over time, so it is best to research the family history to determine the exact spelling and variants used.
Famous people with the name Haug
- Tor Haug- one of the leading video game programmers in Norway, who specifically worked with the puzzle game Monument Valley.
- Caroline Haug- a contemporary artist from Bergen, Norway, who works in a variety of media that often explores age, feminity and pop culture.
- Arnulf Haug- a famous Norwegian jazz musician who formed his own band called “Arnulf Haugs Orchestra” in the late 1980s.
- Elisabeth Haug- a professor of psychology at the University of Oslo and a member of the Norwegian Psychological Association.
- Kurt Haug- a Norwegian miner and politician, who served on the Gold Council and was a leader of the Norwegian resistance during World War II.
- Synnøve Haug- an aspiring game designer who became the first woman to win the Norwegian BAFTA for her game Stardew Valley.
- Todd Haug- a Minnesota-based brewer famous for founding the local brewery Surly Brewing Company.
- Kristian Haug- a Norwegian artist working primarily with video, installation, drawing and print-making.
- Marianne Haug- a Norwegian potter, who is known for making inventive ceramics and poster prints.
- Line Haug- a Norwegian journalist who is the author of multiple books, as well as an opinion writer for Aftenposten.