Surname Höhnscheid - Meaning and Origin

Höhnscheid: What does the surname Höhnscheid mean?

The last name Höhnscheid is of German origin and is one of the many names derived from the common personal name Hahn. The root of this name, 'hahn', translates to 'cock or rooster' in English; consequently, the surname is likely to have been taken on by someone who lived in an area where the rooster was featured prominently, such as in a crest or coat of arms. It could also have been taken on by someone accustomed to the sound of roosters crowing in the morning.

The 'scheid' segment of the name derives from a historical term meaning 'divide', and was often found within the names of places. As such, it implies that the original bearer of this surname lived near or was originally from a boundary or border. Together, the elements of Höhnscheid can be translated as 'the divider of Hahn', suggesting the individual may have been an individual of some importance and owned a large estate in the area.

Over time, the surname has spread further than Germany, and variations include Hahnscheid, Hehnschied and Heinscheid. While the popularity of this name remains low, it is still found today across Europe and even in some parts of the United States.

Höhnscheid: Where does the name Höhnscheid come from?

The last name Höhnscheid is most commonly found in Germany. Specifically, it is most prevalent in the cities of Leonberg, Fellbach and Leinfelden-Echterdingen in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg. Originally derived from the German word "höh" meaning "hill", the last name typically signified those families that lived on a hill side, or near a hill.

In recent years, the surname has spread throughout Germany, as well as some Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. This is thanks to The Thirty Years’ War, which scattered many German families far and wide throughout Europe. As a result, it is not uncommon to see the last name Höhnscheid, spelled in various ways such as Hohnscheid, or even Haunscheid, throughout the continent.

It is also not uncommon to see descendants of these German families in other countries across the globe, including the United States, Australia, and Canada. Through online genealogical research, it is estimated that there are thousands of individuals with the last name living in these countries today.

Overall, the last name Höhnscheid is most commonly associated with Germany, and still remains quite popular in the southwestern region of Baden-Württemberg. Despite its sixth century roots, the last name can also be found scattered throughout many other countries, including some in North America.

Variations of the surname Höhnscheid

Höhnscheid is a German surname of locational origin. Variants of this surname include Hohnscheid, Honscheid, Hoenscheid, and Hönschied.

Höhnscheid comes from the German word "hoh" meaning "high" and "scheid" for "sharp", "divide" or "separation". It is likely that the surname was first given to someone who lived near a hilly area that formed a natural separation between two parcels of land.

The variants of Höhnscheid underwent further changes in spelling. During the 16th century, the letter ‘ö’ could often be replaced with an ‘o’ or ‘e’ and so the spelling changed to Hohnscheid, Honscheid or Hoenscheid. Similarly, the ‘e’ could later be replaced with a ‘sch’, resulting in the spelling Hönschied.

There are several surnames that have the same origin as Höhnscheid, but have been adapted in different ways over time, including Honke, Hunsche, Hunscheid, Hunscheider, Hüntscheid, Höntschel and Hünsch. There are also other variants of Höhnscheid, such as Hohnseneid and Hohnseckschied. All of these surnames likely referred to someone who resided near a hilly area.

Famous people with the name Höhnscheid

• Michael Höhnscheid: a German professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for VfL Bochum.
• Simon Höhnscheid: a German film director and screenwriter.
• Angela Höhnscheid: a former German figure skater who competed in pair skating.
• Ralf Höhnscheid: a German shot putter who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
• Phillip Höhnscheid: a German javelin thrower who competed at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
• Florian Höhnscheid: a German football midfielder currently playing for German Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach.
• Bernd Höhnscheid: a German Paralympic athlete and long-distance runner who competed in track events.
• Franz Höhnscheid: a German bobsledder who competed in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
• Rahel Höhnscheid: a German synchronised swimmer who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
• Johannes Höhnscheid: a German footballer who plays as a midfielder for Eintracht Braunschweig.

Other surnames

Höhnscheidt