Surname Hoit - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Hoit: What does the surname Hoit mean?
The surname Hoit or Hoyt has multiple possible origins. One of the predominant theories is that it's derived from the Middle English word "hoit", which is used to refer to someone who is cheerful, playful, or lively in personality. So, the surname could denote individuals or families known for their high spirits or jovicund behavior. Alternatively, Hoit could also be traced back to Old Norse-derived pre-7th century words "hieght" or "hoiht", meaning tall or big, thus referring to the height or size of the individual or family.
This surname is particularly common among families of British or Germanic origin. There may also be a geographical reference in some instances, particularly in the case of families originating from the Hoyt area in Hesse, Germany. Like most surnames, the precise meaning of Hoit can vary based on individual family histories and regional variations, and the suggested interpretations only give a general sense of its possible origins.
Order DNA origin analysisHoit: Where does the name Hoit come from?
The surname Hoit is of Anglo-Saxon origin, specifically from English medieval times. It is believed to have been derived from the Old English word "hight," which means "height." The surname may have been used as a nickname for someone who was tall or high, or possibly someone who lived on or near a high point, such as a hill or mountain. It could also be a locational surname for individuals from any of the various places named Height, Highet or Hewit in England.
Today, the last name Hoit still occurs most frequently in the United States, though its prevalence is relatively low. It isn't considered a common last name as per data from the U.S. Census Bureau. It can also be found to a lesser extent in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, the UK and Canada.
Variations of the surname Hoit
The surname Hoit is of English origin and is derived from variants of given names like Hugh and Holt. Some different variations and spellings for the surname Hoit can include Hott, Hoyt, Hoit, Hite, Haight, Hait, Hyte, and Hoet.
Numerous spellings of the same name are a common occurrence due to the translation of languages over centuries. It is thought that the surnames Hoyt, Haight, and Hait evolved from the surname Hoit when members of the same family immigrated to different countries. These surnames are all relatively rare.
It's also possible that the surname Hoit may have derived from the Dutch Hoejt, or the German Höcht, indicating a family's location at a 'high/great (spacious) place.'
In all, the exact lineage and original spelling of the surname Hoit can be challenging to pin down due to the many cultural, regional, and personal factors that could have influenced its spelling and usage over centuries.
Famous people with the name Hoit
- Charles E. Hoit: American painter and illustrator
- David Hoit: photographer
- Conchita Wurst: stage name of Thomas Neuwirth, Austrian singer
- Janice Hoit-Kopecky: American birder
- Christine Hoit: American painter
- John Hoit: American painter
- E. Stanley Hoit: American If You Knew SUSIE/ Rubber Duckie lyricist
- Dale Hoit: American politician
- William J. Hoit: American banker and philanthropist
- Franklin S. Hoit: American scholar and librarian