Surname Hench - Meaning and Origin
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Hench: What does the surname Hench mean?
The surname Hench is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English "hengest", which means "stallion". This was originally used as a personal name or nickname, likely for someone who had a connection with horses such as a horse trader, breeder or warrior. Over time, it developed into a surname passed down generations. It is also possible that it may have been a locational surname for people who lived in an area known for horses. In some cases, the name might have been given to a person who bore a fancied resemblance to a horse, as in strength or swiftness. Variations of the surname include Henchman, Hencher, Heng, Hengst, and Hinxman among others. As with many old English surnames, it may have multiple origins or meanings.
Order DNA origin analysisHench: Where does the name Hench come from?
The surname Hench is derived from Germany and it originates from the Middle High German word for horse, which is "hengst". In its early usage, the name was probably given to someone who was a keeper of horses or as an occupational surname for a horse dealer. It may have also been used by people who lived at a place where horses were kept.
Today, it is not very common and is scattered across many countries. Nevertheless, the surname may be encountered more frequently in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania which had a notable population of German immigrants. It can also be found in cities in Germany and scattered around various locations in the UK. However, it is important to note that the distribution of this surname is still relatively sparse worldwide.
Variations of the surname Hench
The surname Hench likely originated from the German surname Henck, which was commonly used in northern Germany. Variations of the surname may include Hencke, Henschen, Hensel, Henschel, Henschke, Hentschel, and Hentzsch. Variations can often be attributed to regional differences, and assimilation to different languages and cultures.
As people who held this surname began to immigrate around the world, spelling changes happened to better suit the language of the new homeland. For instance, when they moved to English speaking countries such as the United States or Britain, it could have been simplified to Hench, Hinch or Hensch.
Furthermore, the suffix '-son' would often be added to denote 'son of', resulting in Henshaw, Hensley, Henson or Henchman. Some other less primarily associated variation of the name might include Henckel and Henkel.
Bear in mind that not all individuals with these surnames will share the same ancestry or origin, as surnames may also have been adopted or changed for a variety of reasons through history.
Nonetheless, the surname Hench and its variations all share similarities in pronunciation or spelling, indicating a likely common origin in Germany or other German-speaking regions.
Famous people with the name Hench
- Paul Hench: American football player
- Margaret Hench: American artist
- Ryan Hench: American Olympian
- Peter Hench: American actor and director
- Mark Hench: American professional golfer
- Mark Hench: American politician
- Jim Hench: professional photographer
- Joanna Hench: former professional softball player and coach
- Justin Hench: American football linebacker
- Christopher Hench: French actor and singer
- Wilfried Hench: German entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Charles Hench: American philanthropist and investor
- William Hench: founder of the House of Hench, a luxury Swiss watchmaker
- Andrew Hench: Australian artist
- Melissa Hench: American politician
- Chris Hench: entrepreneur and technologist
- Jessica Hench: Canadian musician