Surname Hiatt - Meaning and Origin

Unearthing History: A Deep Dive Into the Hiatt Name Through iGENEA DNA Test

Unraveling my enthralling Hiatt ancestry through an iGENEA DNA test unveiled an intriguing mix of Western and Eastern European, Scandinavian, and Mediterranean heritage. Using the indications provided by the Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA, it's clear that the Hiatt surname carries the indelible stamp of human evolution and migration across many millennia.

C. Hiatt

Hiatt: What does the surname Hiatt mean?

The surname Hiatt is of English origin and is believed to have originated from the medieval personal name "Hyatt", a variant of Hewett. The name Hewett itself is derived from two Old English words - "hiewet" meaning heart, mind, or spirit and "hughet" meaning mind or intellect. Variations of the surname include Hyatt, Hyet, Hyett, Hytte, and others. This name began as a given name before it became a hereditary surname around the 10th and 11th centuries. It's believed that the first record of the surname Hiatt was found in Bedfordshire county in England around the 13th century. The meaning of the surname reflects an individual with intelligence, courage, and high spirit. Like many surnames, its exact origin can't be guaranteed as it could also have geographical roots or be linked to a trade or profession.

Hiatt: Where does the name Hiatt come from?

The last name Hiatt originally comes from Great Britain, specifically from England, where the surname was derived from an Old English personal name, Heahbeorht, which means "high or bright." The name is believed to have evolved through variations like Hyat, Hyett, Highett and Hyatt before reaching the current spelling.

Today, Hiatt is most common in the United States, with the largest concentration in Indiana. Ancestors of current bearers of the last name Hiatt likely emigrated from England to America during the 17th century, and their descendants have since spread across the country. It is also somewhat common in the United Kingdom and Australia, but it is distinctly scarcer in other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Hiatt

The surname Hiatt is derived from the medieval English name "Hyatt" and has several variants and spellings. Its different forms can include Hyett, Hiatt, Hyatt, Hyet, Hytte, and Hiate. This surname can also be found as Hight, Height, Hyte, and Hiete in different regions of England. Over time, due to changes in pronunciation and translation between languages, it has various other iterations as well including Hiat, Hiot, and Hiotte.

Similar to many surnames, the spelling could have been changed over the years due to illiteracy or mistakes in transcription. Different branches of the same family could also end up with differently spelled surnames. The surname Hiatt is of English origin, from a topographic name for someone who lived by a gate of any kind, from Middle English yat(e) ‘gate’. Therefore, there might also be related surnames of the same origin in other languages that deal with gates. The Hawaiian version of the name is "Haiaka," thought to be derived from the term for a small kind of gate.

All these versions of the name refer to the same lineage, and individuals carrying any of these names can be considered part of the wider Hiatt family.

Famous people with the name Hiatt

• John Hiatt: Singer-songwriter and guitarist from Indiana who first began recording in 1974 and has since achieved critical and commercial acclaim for his work.
• Nancy Hiatt: American film director and screenwriter. She is best known for writing and directing the 2019 drama film Little Woods and the 2021 drama film I Care a Lot.
• Troy Hiatt: American actor who started his career on stage in productions with the Seattle Repertory Theatre and has since excelled in film, television and commercial roles as well.
• Brian Hiatt: American journalist, author and senior writer with Rolling Stone magazine who has also written for other publications such as The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and the Guardian.
• Robert Hiatt: American former basketball player who was a standout in his college career at Radford University and had a brief career in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets.
• Ryan Hiatt: American former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Florida Marlins and Omaha Royals.
• Little Willie John: American R&B and soul singer who had many hit singles in the 1950s and 1960s, including "Fever", as well as being very influential in the development of funk music.
• Billy Hiatt: American musician and songwriter who is best known for being a member of the rock band The Replacements.
• Bob Hiatt: Former English professional footballer who spent most of his career with Sheffield Wednesday F.C. and some time with Shrewsbury Town F.C.
• Harley Hiatt: American professional wrestler who competed in the Global Wrestling Alliance, for which he also promoted wrestling events.

Other surnames

HaachHaackHaackeHaackerHaafHaaffHaagHaageHaagenHaagerHaagmannHaagmansHaagnerHaahsHaakHaakeHaakerHaakertHaamannHaameaHaanHaaneHaanenHaarbrandtHaarckeHaarkeHaarmannHaartjeHaarwaldtHaas