Origin & Meaning of the Hess Surname
What does the last name Hess mean?
The surname Hess carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 59,486 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hess ranks as the #564 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hess come from?
The Hess surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Hess name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hess trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Hess |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #564 |
| US Count (2010) | 59,486 |
| Per 100K People | 20.17 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hess
According to the US Census, the Hess surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 59,486 Americans with the Hess last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.63% |
| Black | 0.93% |
| Hispanic | 1.98% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.53% |
| Two or More Races | 1.38% |
Popularity of Hess Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hess surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hess surname increased by 1,664 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Hess
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Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Hess.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hess
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