Surname Heigle - Meaning and Origin

Heigle: What does the surname Heigle mean?

The last name Heigle is of German origin, and carries multiple meanings. It is derived from the Middle High German words “heigel” and “hagen” which both mean “enclosed area”, likely referring to a hedge or walled-in garden. Heigle can also be traced back to the Old High German word “hagal” which means “fortified yard.”

It is likely that the name Heigle is derived from some form of cattle breeding, as the hedged in areas that the name comes from were commonly used to enclose animals and protect them from the outside elements. Heigle may also be a more general name for someone who lived near or by a hedge, as the enclosed areas created a sense of security and protection, and the name eventually became rooted as a surname. It is also possible that the name has a connection to the more rural aspects of Germanic culture, and someone have adopted the name as a way to indicate their rural roots.

Heigle is now considered an uncommon name, but one can still find people of this surname in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. As it has roots in Germany, it is likely that the meaning of the name has stayed largely unchanged over the years, and likely holds a similar meaning for those who still bear the name today.

Heigle: Where does the name Heigle come from?

The surname Heigle is mainly found in Germany today. Specifically, it is most commonly located in the southwestern portion of the country in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. In other parts of Germany, it is relatively rare.

This is in keeping with the origin of the name, which can be found in the region of Franconia in Bavaria. In this region, the family of Heigle is documented as being amongst the first settlers in the city of Königshofen, which today is located in the district of Neustadt an der Aisch-Bad Windsheim. It is believed that the family Heigle was among the earliest families in the region, likely arriving in the 12th century.

The surname is derived from the Middle High German words “heil,” which means "Light" and "icke,” meaning “Arrow”. This name might be indicative of an armory worker, or perhaps someone associated with the Duke's court, as the 'heil' was often used to identify a person of nobility.

Today, the Heigle family is amongst the largest of German families, and is found primarily in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. While the family name is not particularly common elsewhere, it does appear in many German church records and has been documented up until the 20th century.

Variations of the surname Heigle

The surname Heigle has many variants and spellings, and can also be found in different surnames of the same origin. Common variants include Hagle, Heigl, Heigle, Heigel, Hiagle, Heygel, and Hiegl. These variants are primarily found in the United States, but can also be found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The surname Heigle can also be found in a variety of surnames derived from the same origin. Common derivatives include Heiglmeier, Heigler, Heiglt, Heig, Heigges, Heigens, Heigelmann, and Heigal. Other variants include Heigelmann, Heigelheim, and Heigast.

Heigle is a German surname derived from the Middle High German personal name “Heigl,” which is a combination of the Germanic elements “heil” meaning “healthy,” and “hagan,” meaning “hedge” or “enclosure.” It is possible that the name was initially given to a person who lived close to a particular hedge. The earliest recorded occurrence of the surname Heigle is from the thirteenth century in Saxony.

The name is also found in Austria, Switzerland, France, and other parts of Europe as an immigrant to America. The spelling variations of Heigle have also been found in records dating from the 1600s and in various Census records.

Overall, the surname Heigle has many variants, spellings, and derivatives, and it is likely that there are more variants of the same origin yet to be discovered. The surname can be found in various parts of the world, and it is possible to trace its origins back to the thirteenth century.

Famous people with the name Heigle

• Kaitlyn Heigle: American Professional Triathlete
• Bennie Heigle: Former Mayor of Reno, Nevada
• Robert Heigle: Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer, Music Producer
• Herman Heigle: Portrait Painter
• Jean Heigle: Actress
• Thomas Heigle: Activist and Glenville State College Graduate
• Anna Heigle: Actress
• Veda Heigle: Actress
• Micki Heigle: Writer and Photographer
• Norman Heigle: Businessman, Former Cold War Air Force General

Other surnames

Heigl