Surname Hoover - Meaning and Origin
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A Deeper Dive into Lineage: Discovering the Hoover Family Roots Through iGenEA DNA Test
Unraveling the mystery of my family name, Hoover, I recently conducted a DNA test at iGENEA. The adventure revealed an enlightening history rooted deeply in medieval Germany, migrations to America, and legacies of hard work and dignity. This report reflects on how the iGENEA test expanded my understanding of my lineage and created a profound connection to my past.
Q. Hoover
read moreHoover: What does the surname Hoover mean?
The surname Hoover is of German origin, derived from the German word "Huber", which traditionally referred to a landowner or a farmer who owned more agricultural land and property than could be managed by one family. The term was specifically used in southern Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, where it spread from. In Middle High German, the word "Hube" referred to a unit of land that a farmer could cultivate using a single pair of oxen. Thus, people with the last name Hoover can trace their genealogy back to an ancestor who was a significant landowner or prosperous farmer. When German immigrants moved to the United States, the name was anglicized to "Hoover." One of the most famous people with this surname is Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisHoover: Where does the name Hoover come from?
The surname Hoover is of German origin, derived from the German name "Huber," which primarily meant 'landowner' or 'farmer.' It evolved from the Middle High German term "huober," signifying someone who owned a plot of land. The name was first found in Bavaria, where the family contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation.
After the 17th century, many Germans, including those named Huber, migrated to America and other parts of the world for better opportunities, causing the name to become more widespread. They Americanized the spelling to Hoover, and this version became established especially in the United States. It gained most of its fame from the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover.
Today, the name Hoover is common in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, which has the highest percentage of people with the Hoover surname. Other countries with a significant number of Hoovers include Canada, England, and Australia, though it is far less common in these places. While the name Huber still exists in Germany, it is not as common as Hoover in America.
Variations of the surname Hoover
The surname Hoover has roots in German and Dutch lineages. Variations and similar surnames of German or Dutch origin may include Huber, Hoober, and Huver. In Germany, the original spelling "Huber" is quite common, denoting a landowner or someone living on a hill. This implies that Hoover ancestors coveted higher grounds, thus Live on the Hub in old German language.
Depending on the region and dialect spoken, the surname may notably change regarding the use of vowels, consonants, or accents. For instance, in the Pennsylvania German language, Huber may transform to Hoover.
During the influx of immigrants to the United States, many European surnames were anglicized to make them easier to pronounce and understand, which is why Hoover is a more common surname in the U.S. today.
Different spellings can appear for the same surname across various records due to discrepancies in documentation and translation. This reason also accounts for the various forms of the Hoover surname such as Houver, Hoovar, Whover, and Hofer.
Although they are separate surnames, Hafer and Hoover were occasionally used interchangeably in Pennsylvania due to phonetics and record-keeping practices.
Famous people with the name Hoover
- Herbert Hoover: Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States from 1929 to 1933 during the Great Depression. He was a Quaker and an early humanitarian and environmentalist.
- J. Edgar Hoover: J. Edgar Hoover was the powerhouse first Director of the FBI. He was a controversial figure who maintained a powerful grip on the Bureau during his 48-year term, from 1924 to 1972.
- Zach Hoover: Zach Hoover is an American actor best known for portraying various characters in film and television, including roles on ABC’s Scandal, The Middle, Grey’s Anatomy, and the TBS sitcom Clipped.
- Andrea Hoover: Andrea Hoover is an American tax attorney. She served as United States Deputy Legal Adviser for Tax Affairs from 2010 to 2013 and as IRS Chief Counsel from 2008 to 2010.
- Herbert Hoover Jr.: Herbert Hoover Jr. was an American engineer, businessman, and politician. He was the eldest son of President Herbert Hoover and the U.S. Secretary of State from 1965 to 1969.
- Lesley Jane Hoover: Lesley Jane Hoover is an American soccer player who currently plays for Kansas City in the National Women's Soccer League.
- Mike Hoover: Mike Hoover is an American stuntman and stunt coordinator, known for his work on Iron Man, Terminator Salvation, and The Avengers.
- Jerry Hoover: Jerry Hoover is an American musician, best known for his work as the guitarist in the psychology-rock band The Hot Rods.
- Justin Hoover: Justin Hoover is an American vocalist and musician best recognized for his work with the Christian rock bands Pillar and Eleventh Hour.