Surname Höflich - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Höflich: What does the surname Höflich mean?
The last name Höflich is a German word meaning polite, courteous, or mannerly. The name derives from the Middle High German word "hōflīcheit," and was likely adopted by a family sometime during the 15th century in Germany. It is believed that the family adopted the name due to its association with nobility and good manners.
Throughout history, the name was often associated with respected traders, merchants, and businessmen. This may have been in part because of the more honorable behavior expected from those of high status. It is also possible that the family were highly regarded in their respective communities, due to their polite and respectful manner.
Today, the last name Höflich is most commonly found in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is also a common surname among those with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
The name Höflich symbolizes those of high respectability and honors traits such as politeness and decency. Its bearer carries a deep respect and pride, which is understood and appreciated by many. Families with the last name Höflich are known for being the best example of a polite and respected member of the community.
Order DNA origin analysisHöflich: Where does the name Höflich come from?
The last name Höflich is most commonly found in Germany. It is a German surname, derived from the word Hof, which means courtyard or garden, and lich, which means noble or kind. Höflich is usually used as a last name but can also be used as a first name.
Höflich is mainly found in the southwestern, southern, and southeastern regions of Germany, as well as some parts of Austria. The regions include Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, the Upper Palatinate, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Hesse, and Lower Saxony. Some Austrian cities where it is found include Vienna, Salzburg, and Linz.
The surname Höflich can also be found in other European countries, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland. In the United States, census records indicate that there are over 400 people with the last name Höflich. The majority of them are in Pennsylvania, which is home to the large Pennsylvania Dutch community with German heritage.
Finally, there are also individuals from other countries who have adopted the name, such as Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.
All in all, the last name Höflich is still common today, primarily in Germany, Austria, and the United States. It is a testament to the German diaspora and the importance of keeping one’s ancestral heritage alive in new countries.
Variations of the surname Höflich
Variants for the surname Höflich include Höflicker, Hofflich, Hoeflich, Hoflich, Hoeflicker, Höflig, Hofling, Hoeffel, Hoffel, Höflinger, Höffel, Höfel, Hoflick, Höflinger, Hofflinger, Höfflinger, Höffeler, and Hoffeler.
The surname Höflich is derived from the Germanic word hôv, which originally meant "courteous." As such, the given name Höflich was most likely given to someone who was courteous and polite.
The surnames derived from the root hôv include Höfliker (meaning courteous), Hofflich (also courteous), Hoeflich (dutiful or faithful), Hoflich (magnanimous), Hoeflicker (gracious or benevolent), Höflig (respectful), Hofling (dignified), Hoeffel (mannered or civil), Hoffel (having decorum), Höflinger (humble), Höffel (modest), Höfel (courteous or diplomatic), Hoflick (polite), Höflinger (obliging), Hofflinger (tactful), Höfflinger (hospitable), Höffeler (deferential), and Hoffeler (ceremonious).
Throughout the centuries, spelling variations of the surname Höflich have been adopted in numerous cultures. In Sweden, the surname is spelled Höflick, while in England it is recorded as Hofflich, Hoffel, or Hoffle. In Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, the surname is spelled Höflich, Hoffman, Hoffmann, or Hofman. In the United States, the surname is spelled Hoflich, Hofman, Hoeflich, Hofling, Hoffeler, or Hoffler.
In conclusion, the surname Höflich has an extensive list of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Each of these variants and spellings originated from the Germanic word hôv, which meant "courteous". Over the centuries, many spelling variations of this surname developed, as the name spread throughout different cultures and regions.
Famous people with the name Höflich
- Professor Peter Höflich: Pos professor at the Technische Universität Berlin, specializing in radio astronomy.
- Ernst Höflich: German poet and author.
- Gordon Höflich: Austrian composer and actor.
- Peter Höflich: German racing cyclist who competed in the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics.
- Franz Höflich: German philosopher and professor.
- Wolf Höflich: German actor and voice actor.
- Ursula Höflich: German mezzo-soprano and opera singer.
- Albrecht Höflich: Prussian Lieutenant General of the Infantry and a Geheimer Oberamtmann.
- Carl Höflich: German pianist and composer.
- Matthias Höflich: Prussian general and Chief of the General Staff of the Prussian Army.