Hilgard

Patronymic

Meaning

A person with a name combining 'hild' (battle) and 'gard' (enclosure or protection).

Etymology

Derived from Germanic elements 'hild' (battle, combat) and 'gard' (enclosure, protection, or yard), forming a compound personal name. The surname developed from this Germanic personal name used as a patronymic.

About the Hilgard Surname

A German surname derived from a Germanic personal name combining elements meaning battle and protection. The name reflects the Germanic tradition of compound personal names and became established in America through German immigration.

Distribution

Found primarily in German-speaking regions and among German immigrant communities in the United States.

Notable Bearers

Eugene Hilgard (soil scientist), various German historical records

People with the Hilgard Surname

E. Hilgard

Prof.