Origin & Meaning of the Hill Surname
What does the last name Hill mean?
The surname Hill carries the meaning "Topographical name for someone who lived on or near a hill." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 434,827 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hill ranks as the #39 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hill come from?
The Hill surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Hill name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hill trace back to Old English. 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 | Hill |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Topographical name for someone who lived on or near a hill |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #39 |
| US Count (2010) | 434,827 |
| Per 100K People | 147.41 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hill
According to the US Census, the Hill surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 434,827 Americans with the Hill last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 64.36% |
| Black | 29.12% |
| Hispanic | 2.51% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 0.97% |
| Two or More Races | 2.51% |
Popularity of Hill Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hill surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hill surname increased by 23,057 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Hill Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Hill ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Hill Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Hill
- ✓ The Hill coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Hill families live today
- ✓ Notable Hill bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Hill
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Hill.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hill
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
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