Hoogstraal

Hoogstraal is a surname of Dutch origin. It is thought to derive from the word "hoog," meaning high, and "straal," meaning ray or streak. The name may have referred to someone who lived in a high place or had a distinctive characteristic.

The surname Hoogstraal is not extremely common but can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in areas with historical Dutch emigration. Its distribution often reflects patterns of settlement from the Netherlands.

A notable individual bearing the surname was Harry Hoogstraal (1927-1986), an American entomologist and acarologist. He was a leading authority on ticks and played a significant role in research related to tick-borne diseases. His extensive fieldwork and scientific contributions earned him international recognition in his field. The family name Hoogstraal is thus associated with both its etymological roots and the legacy of individuals who have carried it.