The documentation of the village in 1027 is contemporary with Count Radbot's construction of Habsburg Castle. It is believed that they named the castle after a hawk () seen sitting on its walls. Some historians and linguists believe the name may come from the Middle High German word 'hab / hap' meaning ford, as it is located near a ford of the Aar River. Habsburg Castle became the originating family seat of the House of Habsburg, which went on to become one of the leading royal dynasties in Europe.