 Besides the predominant explanation of the name being derived from "Higeliheim" or "Hügelsheim" because of the hilly landscape ("Hügel" means “hill” in German), there is a competing explanation holding that the name comes from "Hültzheim" or "Holtzheim", which would be a reference to the wealth of wood ("Holz" in German).The council is made up of 13 council members, counting the part-time mayor, with seats apportioned thus