Höss

Höss is a surname of German origin. It is believed to be a topographic or occupational name. As a topographic name, it may derive from the Middle High German word "hose," meaning "leg" or "stocking," potentially referring to someone who wore distinctive leg coverings or lived in a place characterized by something resembling legs. Alternatively, it could be an occupational name derived from "Hüter," meaning "keeper" or "guard," possibly for livestock or a specific location.

The surname is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. Prominent individuals bearing the name include Rudolf Höss, a convicted war criminal and the first commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp. His role in the Holocaust has made the name associated with significant historical events. Other individuals with the surname Höss have contributed to various fields, though none have achieved the same level of international notoriety as Rudolf Höss. Genealogical research indicates the name has a long history in German-speaking regions, with early records appearing in medieval documents. The distribution of the surname often reflects historical migration patterns within Europe.