Surname Herde - Meaning and Origin
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Herde: What does the surname Herde mean?
The last name Herde is a German surname that likely originated from Middle High German, a language spoken during the Middle Ages. The name originated from the word “Herde” which means "herd" or "swarm".
In some cases, Herde may also have originated as derivative of the word “verde”, a name that would have denoted someone with dark features. Ultimately, the origin of the name remains largely unknown, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact meaning.
Despite the name's mysterious origin, Herde is not uncommon in Germany, with over 4,000 people having adopted the surname by 2020. The name is also found in other countries, including the United States.
The last name has been borne by a number of notable people, from German inventors to religious figures. The most famous person to have adopted the name is Johannes Herde, a German artist who was born in 1720.
In the modern day, the last name is considered to be a very unique and uncommon surname. Herde can be seen as a variation of the more popular last name Herr, which is German for "lord" or "master". Despite its mysterious etymology, the name Herde symbolizes strength and courage, making it a very desirable last name.
Order DNA origin analysisHerde: Where does the name Herde come from?
The last name Herde is found mainly in areas of Europe, particularly in German-speaking countries and parts of Scandinavia. For example, there is a fairly large concentration of people with the last name Herde located in northern Germany around the city of Leipzig, Berlin and the Brandenburg region, as well as the Baltic region of Sweden. The name is also found in countries such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and parts of Austria. Additionally, the surname "Herde" appears to be quite common in areas of the United States that were historically populated by German immigrants, primarily in states like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota.
The last name Herde has become less common in recent years as the populations of European countries have become much more diverse and spread apart due to migration and increasing globalization. The name is, however, still widely found in its areas of origin. It also appears in other places, such as Australia and New Zealand, where people of German ancestry have emigrated in order to start new lives.
There are a variety of potential origins of the Herde surname, many of which are derived from various German words. It could originally have been a name to denote some type of livestock breed or herding work, or a topographic name denoting high ground or pastures. In some cases, it may also be a shortened form of compounds like "Herdeberger."
Variations of the surname Herde
The surname Herde is an occupational name, which is derived from the personal name "Herd", which refers to someone who operates or tends to a herd of animals. This surname is found throughout the German-speaking world and has been around for over 500 years.
Variants of this surname have arisen over time, namely Harte, Harde, Herd, and Harter. These variants have also been found in other countries such as England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Spellings of Herde can vary also. Commonly found spellings include Hart, Hard, Harden, and Herdt.
Surnames of similar origin can also be found. These surnames include Harth, Harthman, Herdi, and Herding. Each surname has its own unique history and spelling variations, so it is important to do research in order to determine the most accurate spelling.
The surname Herde is still quite common today, and is found all over Europe and parts of the United States. It is a testament to the long history and diversity of the surname and those who bear it.
Famous people with the name Herde
- Christopher Herde: American film actor
- Agnes Herde: German politician for the SPD
- Ulf Herde: German actor
- Peter Herde: Swiss politician and member of the National Council
- Heino Herde: German journalist and memoirist
- Ralf Herde: German politician for the SPD
- Nico Herde: Belgian singer and songwriter
- Jessica Herde: American actress
- Ephraim Herde: German lawyer and politician
- Leon Herde: Austrian mountaineer and mountain guide