Surname Hilbert - Meaning and Origin
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A Deep Dive into the Hilbert Lineage: Unveiling History Through an iGENEA DNA Test
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G. Hilbert
read moreHilbert: What does the surname Hilbert mean?
The last name Hilbert is derived from the Germanic word ‘hillibert’, which means ‘bright’ or ‘shining.’ It was first used as a personal name in the Middle Ages. In Germany, the surname is particularly common around the Rhineland and Bavaria.
The surname has likely derived from family ancestors that had a particular trait that made them stand out in some way. In ancient times, having a unique name could symbolize special characteristics or talents, leading to the family ancestor's 'shining’ reputation and the last name becoming entrenched in that particular family.
The Hilbert surname is also strongly associated with mathematics. This likely stems from the fact that the 18th-century German mathematician David Hilbert was born with the last name, being descended from the same Germanic roots. This connection to mathematics is reinforced with the current-day use of ‘Hilbert space’, a term used to describe an abstract vector space.
Overall, the surname Hilbert is associated with being bright and excelling in some way. Being a surname with a long history tied to Germanic roots, it is clear why the Hilbert surname is considered an ancient and respected one.
Order DNA origin analysisHilbert: Where does the name Hilbert come from?
The last name Hilbert is most commonly found in Germany, though there are also some in the United States, including people of German descent. You’ll find the surname in many towns across Germany, and in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, and Texas.
The name Hilbert dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s derived from a German word hilderich, which means “battle leader” or “commander” in English. Over time, it’s spelling has varied, with Hilpert being another variation.
The most famous person with the last name Hilbert is likely the mathematician David Hilbert, known for his works in number theory, geometry, and analysis. He was born in Germany in 1862 and taught at the University of Göttingen until 1933, when he was forced out by the Nazis.
Today, the Hilbert family is still thriving in Germany and the United States. The name serves as a reminder of the legacy of the mathematician David Hilbert, but also of the richness and diversity of German history.
Variations of the surname Hilbert
The surname Hilbert can have several spellings and variants, including Hilber, Hullbert, Huldber, Hilpert, Hilperts, Hilpene, Hillbert, Huler and Hillbret. The name derives from the Germanic personal name Huldebrecht which means "brightness of glory" or "famous for protection". It is common to all regions of Germany but also originated in Switzerland and Austria.
Alternate spellings of the surname include Heilbronn, Helbret, Hellber, Hillper, Hillbrecht, Hillbrunen, Hillfritz, Hillmer, Hillmertkins, Helmberg, Hellmuth, Hellriegel, Hilgenburg, Hilmar, Hilpertkens, Hillbauer, Hillbrick, Hillbucker, Hillfeck, Hillers, Hillerseck, Hillensberg, Hillsman, Hillrich, and Hilluit.
Common versions of the surname outside of Germany include Emelbert from France, Podbert from England, Helbert from Austria and Wilbert from Belgium.
The name has also evolved to encompass surnames like Hilberti in Italy, Helbet in Poland, Heilbirt in Scandinavia, and Hilbracht in Russia.
The surname is also seen in various forms in other languages, including Helándr in Icelandic, Hillbrant in Swedish, and Hilbrikter in Dutch.
Famous people with the name Hilbert
- David Hilbert, German mathematician (1862-1943). Known as a most influential figure in mathematics at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.
- Alan Hilbert, former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League (1972-1978).
- Bert Hilbert, German filmmaker and media artist who has been working in the field of experimental documentary film and video since the late 1980s.
- Hermann Hilbert, German music educator, and composer (1788-1846).
- Janet Hilbert, American statistician, founder and CEO of Dimensional Insight Inc.
- Kevin Hilbert, American football coach since 1996.
- Lisa Hilbert, American former long-distance runner and world-record holder in the marathon.
- Matthew Hilbert, American racecar driver since 1999.
- Michael Hilbert, Austrian actor and producer.
- Paul Hilbert, Canadian composer and professor.