All surnames

English surname

Hill

Lived near a hill

Locational surname

Hill is a topographic surname from Middle English 'hil(le)', denoting a person who lived on or near a hill. In a landscape of varied elevation, hills provided natural landmarks for identifying dwellings. The name arose independently in many different localities.

It became hereditary in the 13th century and is one of the most common topographic surnames in England. Related forms include Hills and Hilton. The simplicity and widespread applicability of the name account for its high modern frequency.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Hill mean?+

Lived near a hill. A locational surname describing where the original bearer lived.

Is Hill a common surname?+

Hill is a English-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?+

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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