Surname Hillegas - Meaning and Origin

Hillegas: What does the surname Hillegas mean?

The last name Hillegas is of German and Dutch origin, and it refers to an individual who was born or lived in the town of Helgoland, Germany. The town is a small island in the North Sea which was once part of the Netherlands and before that owned by Denmark. The Hillegas surname is thought to have been derived from the term ‘hel’, meaning ‘high’, and ‘gaas’ as ‘grass’. This may allude to its location as a high grassy island. Alternatively, it could also be derived from the personal name ‘Heilig’. This word means ‘holy’ or ‘sacred’ and could point to the town’s holiness or significance in the native culture.

Throughout its documented history, the Hillegas surname has been found in both the Dutch and German languages. In Germany, Hillegas is commonly written as ‘Hilliges’ or ‘Hilligass’. The earliest records of the Hillegas surname trace back to the Highlands in the 1630s. From there, a number of Hillegases eventually settled in Pennsylvania and moved westward into parts of the Midwest and the American West. Today, Hillegas is a common surname in the U.S. and in other places around the world.

Hillegas: Where does the name Hillegas come from?

The last name Hillegas is most commonly found in the United States, particularly near the East Coast, mid-Atlantic states, and Ohio River Valley. This surname is believed to be of German origin, generated from the given names Hilger and Hilleger.

The Hillegas surname likely first arrived in America with the mid-18th century immigration of German settlers, who traveled up the Rhine and Mohawk River valleys to settle in Pennsylvania with the other Palatine immigrants. Over the centuries, Hillegases have populated several states throughout the Eastern US, leading to a considerable population of the surname in the US today.

Census records from 1880 to 1910 for the US were gathered, and they suggested the eastern states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey had the highest numbers of people who shared the Hillegas name. In particular, Pennsylvania had the highest population of Hillegas households recorded during this time period. Pennsylvania has continued to remain the most prominent area for the Hillegas surname, according to 2000 US Census data.

It’s likely that any individuals bearing the Hillegas name today are direct descendants of these original immigrants. Despite its smaller population, the Hillegas name is still present in the area of origin as well as in many other states throughout the East Coast and Mid-West.

Variations of the surname Hillegas

The Hillegas surname is an uncommon Dutch or German name that is also seen in the United States. It is derived from the Middle Low German words “hil,” meaning “lively” or “energetic,” and “ghese,” meaning “goose.” This surname is seen in several spellings, including Hillegass, Hilligas, Hilligos, Hilligass, Heligas, Helliges, Helligass, Hellegas, and Heleges.

In the United States, Hillegas is also seen as the Americanized form of the surname Hillebrand. In addition to the spellings mentioned above, variants of this name include Hellibender, Hillebrandt, Hillegaart, Hilligast, and Hellgart.

In the Netherlands, Hillegas is also seen as a variant of Hilleger, with other spellings including Hilligers, Helligers, Hillaegers, Hillaegas, and Hillaerts.

In Germany, Hillegas is seen as a variant of the surname Hillger, with other spellings including Hillgars, Hellgar, Heldgar, Helger, Hilliger, and Helligar.

In England and Ireland, Hillegas is seen as a variant of the surname Hilegar, with other spellings including Hillegard and Hilligor.

In Canada, Hillegas is seen as a variant of the French surname Treillecourt, a name meaning “of the garden.”

In South Africa, Hillegas is seen as a variant of the surname Helgerman, with other spellings including Hellerman, Hillgerman, Hellermann, Hillgermann, and Heligerman.

Altogether, the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Hillegas cover several languages, including Dutch, German, French, English, Irish and South African. Such extensive variation highlights just how ancient and far-reaching this surname is.

Famous people with the name Hillegas

• Richard Hillegas (1729-1804), American Revolutionary War Colonel
• Joshua Hillegas (1762-1844), American lawyer and politician
• Samuel Hillegas (1788-1853), American lawyer and politician
• Joseph O. Hillegas (1837-1914), American geologist
• Dr. Arthur Hillegas (1866-1962), American ophthalmologist and yachtsman
• Otto Hillegas (1879-1959), American politician
• Frank Hillegas (1925-2005), American educator and diplomat
• Louis Hillegas (1925-2011), American artist and sculptor
• Nancy S. Hillegas (born 1934), American politician
• Michelle Hillegas (born 1960), American synchronized swimmer
• Paul Hillegas (born 1966), American violinist
• Wil Hillegas (born 1975), American actor
• Jack Hillegas (born 1977), American birdwatcher
• Michael Hillegas (born 1980), American musician
• Liz Pearl Hillegas (born 1988), American tennis player

Other surnames

HillegassHillegastHillegeistHillegoss

Comments or additions to the name "Hillegas"

06.02.2024
Dear sir,
The most famous Hillegas to date was Michael Hillegas. He was the first treasurer of the United States under the articles of confederation. He was a Philadelphia native living in the area, called the New Liberties not far from the Delaware river north of A rch Street.
Is buried at Christchurch 3rd and Arch Street in Philadelphia. Although coming from the Reform church traditions, apparently converted Anglicanism.
George Frederick Hillegas, III