Find out how popular the last name Hilgen is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Hilgen.

Hilgen, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Hilgen surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Hilgen in America

Hilgen is the 124872nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Hilgen surname appeared 127 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Hilgen.

The history of the last name Hilgen

The surname Hilgen originates from Germany and is primarily associated with the northern regions of the country. The earliest mention of the surname dates back to the medieval period, around the 13th and 14th centuries. This name is often linked to the Low German dialect spoken in these areas, which influenced its formation and evolution.

The etymology of Hilgen can be traced back to Old High German elements. The name may derive from the word "hilig," meaning "holy" or "sacred," hinting at a possible religious or ecclesiastical connection. There are also connections to the Middle Low German "hilge," bearing a similar meaning, which reinforces the spiritual or sanctified association.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hilgen appears in a document from the Hanseatic League archives around the late 1300s. The Hanseatic League was a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds in Northern Europe, suggesting that individuals with this surname were involved in trade or local governance.

Among the prominent historical figures bearing the surname Hilgen was Johann Hilgen, a noted merchant from Lübeck active in the early 15th century. Records from 1412 mention his involvement in several key trade agreements and his membership in the Lübeck council, a vital position in the Hanseatic League's operations.

Another notable figure was Hilgen von Arnhem, a knight recorded in the late 15th century in the principalities of the Holy Roman Empire. His services to various lords and participation in military campaigns demonstrate the surname's attachment to nobility and military endeavors.

In the literary realm, Anna Hilgen, born in 1576 and known for her contributions to early modern German poetry, brought prestige to the name. Her works reflected the humanist ideas of the Renaissance and earned her recognition throughout various German states.

The surname also appears in records related to the Witch Trials in Northern Germany during the 16th century. Margaretha Hilgen, accused of witchcraft in 1610, was a notable case that highlighted the turbulent and superstitious times. Her trial documents provide insight into socio-religious dynamics and the persecution of women during that era.

One more influential individual was Wilhelm Hilgen, who was born in 1845 and became a prominent industrialist in Hamburg. His ventures in maritime trade and shipbuilding contributed significantly to the economic development of the city during the late 19th century.

The surname Hilgen has undergone variations over centuries, sometimes appearing as Hilgenn or Hillygen in older texts. Local dialects and orthographic practices contributed to these differences in spelling.

Through history, the surname Hilgen has appeared in various records, illustrating its persistence and the roles individuals bearing it played in merchant activities, nobility, cultural developments, and even historical trials. The name remains a window into the socio-economic and cultural tapestry of Northern Germany from medieval times onwards.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Hilgen

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Hilgen.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Hilgen was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Hilgen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Hilgen, please contact us.

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