Surname High - Meaning and Origin
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A DNA test with iGENEA sparked a thrilling ancestry journey, revealing unexpected Scandinavian origins tied to my surname, High, and a true multi-ethnic lineage to Jewish roots. The test also revealed distant relatives dotted across the globe.
L. High
read moreHigh: What does the surname High mean?
The last name High originated in England and is considered to be of Anglo-Saxon descent. The surname is topographic, often given to people residing in or near a notable local landmark or property feature. In this particular case, "High" likely refers to people who lived near or on a hill, slope, or highland. Alternatively, it could also be derived from a personal name as in "Hig," a pet form of the Old English name "Higga." Over time, the name may have changed in spelling and pronunciation due to regional dialects and the influence of other languages. Nowadays, it is common in many English-speaking countries around the world. Overall, the surname High symbolizes a link to geographical features and reflects an aspect of the residence location of ancient bearers. It is interesting to note that every name has a historical significance which often tells us about the early origins of our ancestors and their lives.
Order DNA origin analysisHigh: Where does the name High come from?
The last name High is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hyh" meaning "tall" or "high", and was often used to describe someone who was tall or lived in or near a high place, such as a hill or elevated ground. This makes it a topographic surname, one derived from a person's residential location. It first surfaced in Yorkshire, where the High family held a family seat from ancient times. Today, the surname is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England and Australia. In the U.S, it's particularly common in the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio. However, in comparison to other surnames, High is relatively rare, ranking at 3493 in surname popularity in the United States. The distribution of the High surname in the modern era reflects patterns of migration and settlement from the British Isles to the New World and beyond.
Variations of the surname High
The surname High has several variants and spellings due to regional differences, accents, and pronunciation. Some common variants include Hight, Hygh, Hyght, Hai, Hi, and Heigh. In some cases, people might spell it as Hye, Haigh, or Hiegh.
Similar surnames can also be observed in different cultures and languages. The German equivalent, for instance, is 'Hoch'. In Dutch, it might be 'Hoog'. The surname 'Hoy' can also be of the same origin depending on the context.
The surname High, particularly in Britain, can make one's lineage traceable to a person living in or near a remarkably high place, like a hill or a steep terrain, signified by the Old English term 'heah'. The variant 'Haigh' originated from a place in Lancashire, England known as Haigh.
Remember that tracing the origin of a surname can be complex. Surnames passed through generations can acquire different spellings and forms, or can be translated into the local language, thereby making the origin quite multifaceted.
Famous people with the name High
- Jonathan High, former professional American Football player
- Harland High, former professional basketball player
- Payton High, American singer and songwriter
- Alex High, former professional soccer player
- Geralyn High, American actress and singer
- Benjamin High, American actor
- Jennifer High, American writer
- Louis High, American documentary filmmaker
- Rick High, former Major League Baseball player
- Sarah High, American actress
- Lawrence High, English monarch
- Ray High, American championship boxer and trainer
- William High, American screenwriter
- Shay High, American soccer player
- Blake High, former Major League Baseball player
- Alice High, American journalist and novelist
- Kelsey High, American radio host
- Bruce High, American television producer
- Kim High, Canadian professional basketball player
- Troy High, English rock and roll singer