Hilgefort Surname

The Origins of the Surname Hilgefort

The surname Hilgefort is of German origin and is believed to have originated from the region of Westphalia. The name is composed of two elements, 'hilge' which means 'holy' or 'sacred' and 'fort' which means 'ford' or 'crossing'. This suggests that the surname may have originally referred to someone who lived near a holy crossing or ford.

Early Historical Records of the Hilgefort Family

The earliest known record of the Hilgefort surname dates back to the 12th century in the region of Westphalia, Germany. The family was known to be landowners and farmers, and they played an important role in the local community.

Over the centuries, the Hilgefort family spread to other parts of Germany and eventually to other countries in Europe and beyond. Today, the surname can be found in countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Philippines, and the British Virgin Islands.

Notable Individuals with the Hilgefort Surname

John Hilgefort (1820-1898)

John Hilgefort was a prominent businessman and politician in the United States. He emigrated from Germany in the mid-19th century and settled in the state of Ohio. He founded a successful trading company and later served as a state senator.

Anna Hilgefort (1901-1985)

Anna Hilgefort was a renowned artist from the Netherlands. She was known for her intricate paintings and sculptures that often depicted scenes from nature and mythology. Her work is highly regarded in the art world.

Heinrich Hilgefort (1945-present)

Heinrich Hilgefort is a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist from Switzerland. He founded a successful technology company in the 1980s and has since become a leading figure in the business community. He is also known for his charitable work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

Variants of the Hilgefort Surname

Over the years, the Hilgefort surname has evolved and taken on various forms. Some common variants include Hilgfort, Hilgaford, and Helfort. These variants may have originated from different regions or may have been the result of spelling variations over time.

Popularity of the Hilgefort Surname

According to data gathered from various sources, the Hilgefort surname is most commonly found in Germany, with a total incidence of 321. It is also present in the United States (153), the Netherlands (6), Switzerland (1), the Philippines (1), and the British Virgin Islands (1). This suggests that the surname is relatively rare outside of Germany, but it has still managed to spread to other parts of the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hilgefort surname has a long and rich history that dates back to the 12th century in Germany. The family has played a significant role in various fields, including business, politics, art, and philanthropy. While the surname is most commonly found in Germany, it has also spread to other countries in Europe and beyond. The variants of the surname and its popularity in different regions add to the complexity and diversity of the Hilgefort family name.

The surname Hilgefort in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar takes place in the case of Hilgefort, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname that may be found in a lot of the countries of the globe. In the same way you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals using the surname Hilgefort is greater than in other countries.

The map of this Hilgefort surname

1. Germany (321)
2. United States (153)
3. Netherlands (6)
4. Switzerland (1)
5. Philippines (1)
6. British Virgin Islands (1)