Surname Hilbrand - Meaning and Origin
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Hilbrand: What does the surname Hilbrand mean?
The last name Hilbrand is of Dutch origin, derived from the given name Hilbrand. This name is derived from the Old Germanic elements "hild," which means "battle," and "brand," which means "sword." Together, the name Hilbrand suggests a strong, battle-ready individual, conveying ideas of courage and strength.
The earliest known recording of the Hilbrand family in Dutch records can be traced to a family living in Rotterdam in 1728. Since then, people bearing the Hilbrand name have been found mainly throughout the Netherlands, and more recently, in many other countries.
Hilbrand people are known for their creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Many of them have found success in the business world, actively pursuing a variety of paths and activities. Hilbrands have also been prominent in the fields of art, science, and technology.
Today, the Hilbrand family is a widely-respected and beloved last name, embodying traits of bravery, strength, resilience, courage, and creativity. The name continues to be associated with those who strive to make a difference in their communities and the world, leaving a lasting and powerful legacy for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisHilbrand: Where does the name Hilbrand come from?
The last name Hilbrand is commonly used in Germany today. It is derived from the Germanic personal name Hilbrant, which means 'bright raven'. The surname is most common in the southern and western states of Germany, such as Hessen, Baden-Württemberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Bavaria, and Thüringen. The Hilbrand name has spread around the world due to German emigration, and can now be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
In the United States, the Hilbrand last name is most popular in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, California, New York, Illinois, and Washington. The city of New Philadelphia, Ohio, has the largest population of Hilbrands in the United States. It’s estimated that over 1,200 people with the last name Hilbrand are living in the U.S.
The Hilbrand surname is also popular in the Netherlands, predominantly in the south. Here the last name is spelled 'Hilbrands', and is most common in the provinces of Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, and Utrecht. There is also an island off the Dutch Antilles named after the Hilbrand family.
All in all, the Hilbrand surname is most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, with smaller populations scattered throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Hilbrand
The surname Hilbrand is a variation of Hilbrant, which is a German diminutive form of Hilbrecht, a German form of Hilprecht. The spelling variations are Hilbrand, Hilbrant, Hilbrecht, Hilbracht, Hylbrand, Hylbrantz, Hilbret, and Hillbert.
In countries where Yiddish is spoken, Hilbrand may be spelled Hilbran or Hillbrun, and in Scandinavia Hillbrand. In Prussia, Hilbrant is most common, while Hilbreylt is found in Saxony.
Sometimes the surname is associated with a location, such as Hilbrand von Zolhellinburg referred to a person from the city of Zolhellinburg in Germany. Hilbrand von Beukelsdorp referred to a person from Dutch Beukelsdorp.
Variants of Hilbrand have spread to many countries during emigration in the 19th century. In New York City and other US locations, Hillbrand, Hilbrant, and Hilbrecht were the most common variations, while in Pennsylvania and Ohio Hilbracht was found. In Europe, Hilbrant was the most common, and in Poland Hylburant. In Australia, Hilbrandt and Hylbrand are found.
In England, variants of Hilbrand include Hillbrant, Hillbrand, Hilbrent, Hilburt, Hillabrand, and Hillbrant. The Scottish appear to have adopted the variant Hillabrand as their own.
Overall, Hilbrand is a surname found in various countries in Europe, but also in North and South America, Australia, and England. The spelling varies according to the country, with variations including Hilbrant, Hilbrecht, Hilbret, Hilbreylt, Hillbert, Hillbran, Hillbrun, Hillbrand, Hylbrand, Hylbrantz, Hilbracht, Hilbrandt, and Hylbrand.
Famous people with the name Hilbrand
- Filmon Hilbrant: German-born American actor best known for his role as the reluctant fighter Bruce Baxter in the movie Little Big Soldier.
- Tobias Hilbrand: German actor, comedian, and writer best known for his roles on sketch comedy shows such as Switch and Kleine Teile: Grosse Wirkung, as well as for his appearances in films like the Oscar-nominated Goodbye, Lenin!
- Emile Hilbrant: Dutch expressionist painter who was one of the first artists to be associated with the style of The Hague School.
- Jacob Hilbrand: American politician who served as a nine-time United States Congressman from Ohio.
- Sophie Hilbrand: Dutch television presenter and columnist.
- Ralph Hilbrand: German-born painter and sculptor best known for his abstract compositions.
- Richard Hilbrand: British director and screenwriter best known for his feature-length documentaries on subjects such as Britain's Road to the Woods (1990) and The Forgotten Revolution (1987).
- Franz Hilbrand: German football referee who officiated at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
- Peggy Hilbrand: Austrian-born Dutch actress known for her roles in films such as Black Book (2006) and Hannah (2009).
- William Hilbrand: American brigadier general and former Chief of Staff of United States European Command.