Surname Hochstattler - Meaning and Origin

Hochstattler: What does the surname Hochstattler mean?

The last name Hochstattler is of German origin and is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word “hochstadel,” which translates to “high place of dwelling.” This toponymic surname was given to individuals who lived near a very tall, elevated dwelling, or at the highest point of a settlement. It is possible that those with this surname were the largest landowners or most influential members of their communities, as the most elevated dwellings, both literally and figuratively, were generally most desirable.

The surname Hochstattler is quite rare, and those who hold the name are part of a small, largely connected network of Highland Germans who immigrated to North America in the 18th century. Those who trace their last name back to these immigrants will likely find roots in Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Wisconsin where the original German settlers settled shortly after arriving in America.

In modern times, the surname Hochstattler is a unique reminder of an individual’s German ancestry and deep connection to a fascinating past, a past that has profoundly shaped the world in which we live today. Still most uncommon, only a select few bear the last name, despite its illustrious history; however, the name is a true testament to the endurance of a people, one which will continue to be remembered for countless generations to come.

Hochstattler: Where does the name Hochstattler come from?

The last name Hochstattler is generally associated with the Amish community in the United States. It is most commonly found in the states where Amish populations are concentrated, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.

The Hochstattler surname has its roots in the Palatinate region of Germany, which was an area of Lutheran, Catholic, and Reform Anabaptist citizens. Many of the Amish immigrants who relocated to America in the 1700s and 1800s were from this region of Germany, and the Hochstattler family established itself in the United States in the years that followed.

The majority of Hochstattlers today remain in the Amish enclaves of the Midwestern United States. Although Amish population numbers are growing rapidly, the Hochstattler surname remains relatively rare and is not found in large numbers outside of the Amish community. It can also be found in small pockets of the United States in areas where Amish ex-pats have settled, such as Missouri, Texas, and New York.

The Amish community is known for its strong emphasis on maintaining traditional values, and as such the Hochstattler name is likely to remain closely connected with the Amish population for the foreseeable future.

Variations of the surname Hochstattler

The surname Hochstattler has variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spelling is Hochstatter, a variant of the original German spelling. Other forms include Hochstetler, Hochstaedter, and Hochstatl. These are all variations of the same last name, with subtle differences in spelling.

The surname is most commonly found in the United States and Switzerland. In the U.S., it is commonly found in Pennsylvania, specifically in Lancaster County. It is a name which denotes a person who lived in a raised area or “hoch”.

In Swiss German, Hochstattler means "high seat" or "high estate." This term was originally used for a person living on a high mountain, and now refers to a person of noble or high status.

In German, there is a similar-sounding surname, Hochstetter. This form of the name is related to the same origin, and refers to a person living or coming from a high area.

Other spellings of the same name include Hochstattlerin, Hochstottler, Hochstatler, and Hochstiehler. These are all related to the main surname, and likely originated from the same German roots.

The last name Hochstattler is quite rare, but may surface in times of genealogical research. As with all genealogy, it is important to carefully research all variants and spellings to ensure accuracy.

Famous people with the name Hochstattler

• Paul S. Hochstattler, Jr.: philanthropist, businessman, and former executive vice-president and chief operating officer of the Hershey Company
• David Hochstattler: two-time Emmy Award-winning television editor
• Dr. Levi Hochstattler: medical director of the Eastern Mennonite University Health Center
• Henry Hochstattler: pioneering soil scientist
• Richard Hochstattler: actor and screenwriter, known for his work on the Amazon Prime Video's The Last Colony
• Emma Hochstattler: a student at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown who co-founded the organization “Sleep Out for Youth Homelessness”
• Rebecca Hochstattler: a noted professional diction trainer
• Rachel Hochstattler: 2019 Olympic hopeful diver
• Katie Hochstattler: elite rhythmic gymnastics and dance athlete
• John Hochstattler: experimental sound artist

Other surnames

Hochstattleler