HESS
Hess is a surname of German origin. It is recorded in the region of Europe, specifically in Germany, and is derived from the Middle High German word haz, which means hedge or fence. Historically, it functioned as an occupational surname, designating a person who either lived near a hedge or fence or worked with such structures.
Over time the name came to be associated with inhabitants of the region known as Hesse in Germany. The surname is one of the earliest Germanic surnames to appear in written records, with few surnames existing before the 13th century. It appears in its various forms, including Hess, Hesse, Hesser, Hessing, and Hessung.
The etymological discussion extends to possible interpretations such as “hooded people”, suggesting a connection to garments or a particular type of helmet. The precise original meaning remains uncertain, as is common with names originating more than a thousand years ago. Contemporary scholars hold differing views, and it is not possible to attribute a single definitive meaning with complete certainty.
Documented instances of the surname date back to the late 12th century. In 1180, a Godescalus Hesso is recorded in a charter of the city of Cologne. Subsequent records include Bentz Hessing of M\u00e0gstadt, Boblingen, in 1350, and Martin Hesser of Roth, Leutkirch, in 1420.
Today, Hess remains a common surname not only within Germany but also among the descendants of German emigrants in many parts of the world. Its enduring presence reflects both its early adoption and the widespread movement of people bearing the name.
Typical given names associated with the Hess surname
Male
- Alan
- Christopher
- David
- Hans
- John
- Jonathan
- Joseph
- Martin
- Matthew
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Peter
- Timothy
Female
- Elaine
- Gemma
- Helen
- Jade
- Jane
- Judith
- Julia
- Louise
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Stephanie
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Hass
- Hasse
- Haiss
- Hase
- Haese
- Hassa
- Hasso
- Haase
- Haise
- Haasz
- Haes
- Hases
- Hassi
- Hace
- Haessee
- Hes
- Hesse
- Hesso
- Hasz
- Haze
- Hease
- Heass
- Heese
- Heise
- Heiss
- Heisse
- Hese
- Hesh
- Hesk
- Hessay
- Hessee
- Hessey
- Hessy
- Hesz
- Heyse
- Hiesz
- Haize
- Hassie
- Hassy
- Hayce
- Hayse
- Hazes
- Heas
- Heash
- Heasy
- Hees
- Heesh
- Heis
- Hesch
- Heskes
- Hesp
- Hest
- Hoose
- Hows
- Huws
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Hess in...
Braille
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Morse
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There are approximately 507 people named Hess in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Hess.
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Germany
Language of origin: German
Famous people named Hess
- Rudolf Hess - German Nazi leader (1894 to 1987)
- Myra Hess - Pianist (1890 to 1965)
- Nigel Hess - Composer
- Liam Hess - Actor
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.