Surname Hoggett - Meaning and Origin

Hoggett: What does the surname Hoggett mean?

The surname Hoggett is of Old English origin, first found in Northumberland, a region near the North East coast of England. The root of this surname derives from the Middle English term "hogg," meaning "a hog", implying that the original bearers of the surname may have been swineherders. The "-et" suffix is diminutive, indicating that the name might refer to a small hog or piglet. Therefore, the surname could have been a nickname or occupational name given to those who raised or herded pigs. Occupationally derived surnames were common in England and across Europe, particularly during the period when surnames began to be formalized. Additionally, given the use of nicknames as a source of surnames, Hoggett might have been conferred based on a quality or characteristic perceived to be similar to a young hog. As with any surname, specific interpretations should be made cautiously, as different geographical regions and historical contexts can influence its meaning.

Hoggett: Where does the name Hoggett come from?

Hoggett is a surname of British origin and is believed to have its roots in Old English. The name is derived from ‘hogg’ which is Old English for 'young sheep', or from an English place called Huggett’s Pool. Historically, it was likely used as a nickname or a trade-related name for a shepherd or someone who takes care of lambs.

Today, the surname Hoggett is not particularly common in any single geographical region. However, most current records show it is loosely dispersed across English-speaking nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and Canada. The prevalence of this surname is relatively lesser in non-English speaking countries. This distribution had likely been influenced by patterns of British emigration during the colonial and post-colonial periods. Again, the specific distribution may vary among countries and over time due to different demographic shifts and migration patterns.

Variations of the surname Hoggett

The surname Hoggett is of early English origin derived from a nickname for a person who minded or cared for hoggs (old English for young sheep). It may also come from an occupational name for a shepherd. Other variations and spellings of the same name can include Hogget, Hoggatt, Hoggit, Hoggitt, and Hoggetts. It may also be spelled as Hoggette or Hoggot in some regions. Sometimes, the last name appears as Hogeatt, Hogeart, or Hogeard, due to phonetic diversification over time and across regions. The surname Hogarth may also be related. Also, considering the original representation of certain roles in society or a person's profession, work-related surnames such as Shepherd, Lamb or Shearer (since they denote similar roles) may fall under a broader category of the same origin. Some families may have also changed Hoggett to Hogg to simplify the name. However, it's important to remember that variations can vary widely, even within the same country. Tracing the exact variations and origin can sometimes be difficult due to the historical migration of families and the evolution of language over time.

Famous people with the name Hoggett

• Sam Hoggett: Retired English rugby league footballer
• Adam Hoggett: Retired Australian rugby league footballer
• Annie Hoggett: British actress
• Richard Hoggett: Senior tennis coach
• Joe Hoggett: Former English sprint canoeist
• Kevin Hoggett: Professional photographer
• Clare Hoggett: Olympic swimmer from New Zealand
• Jeff Hoggett MBE: Current General Manager of Imperial War Museum North
• George Hoggett: Retired English footballer
• Brooke Hoggett: Professional surfer from Australia

Other surnames

HoggeHoggert