Surname Hirschau - Meaning and Origin
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Hirschau: What does the surname Hirschau mean?
The last name Hirschau is potentially of German origin, coming from the place names Hirschau in Bavaria, Germany, and Hirschau in the Czech Republic. The surname is derived from the German word “hirsch,” meaning deer, describing the landscape in which the towns are situated. It is a very old name, with the earliest known record of the surname dating back to 1386 in Swabia, Germany.
Since then, the surname has spread throughout the German-speaking world, becoming popular in Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland by 1700. In Germany itself, the surname is most common in Lower Bavaria and is found in many other regions throughout the country.
The last name Hirschau provides an indication of where one’s ancestors may have come from. Families with this name often have roots in Germany and have likely travelled from their homeland over the centuries. It may also be indicative of a strong personal connection to the natural world and the sustainable practices of forestry and hunting.
Order DNA origin analysisHirschau: Where does the name Hirschau come from?
The last name Hirschau is a commonly found throughout Germany. In modern times the name is also found in modern day Austria, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, and other countries with a large population of German descent.
The name most likely originates from a location in Germany called Hirschau. This location is found in the Bavarian Forest—the largest intact area of the Central European low mountain ranges in Europe. Hirschau is a smaller town in the region of Upper Palatinate. Records show that in the late 15th century, the name appears as Hyrssenaw, hinting that the name might have originated from a former Bavarian ministerialis of the same name.
Hirschau is a popular name for families in Germany primarily because of the connection to their homeland. It is common to come across many families bearing the name in some form all across Germany.
Today, the last name Hirschau is found throughout many countries. It is regularly seen amongst individuals of German descent in United States and Canada, as well as other countries with large populations of Emigrants from German-speaking countries. This name is also seen among Jews and non-Jews in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Hirschau
The surname Hirschau is a topographic name from a place called Hirschau in Germany, derived from the German word “Hirsch” meaning “deer” and “Au” meaning “meadow”, referring to a meadow full of deer. This surname is also found in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and the United States of America.
Common variants of this surname include Hirschaw, Hirschow, and Hirschov. Other spelling variations and surname variations include Hirscheu, Hertschau, Hirschboe, Herschau, Hirschbau, Herschow, and Herzschau.
Additional variations of the surname Hirschau have emerged over time due to the nature of the language and changing alphabet of the regions in which the surname appears. Some of these variations include Hirscgof, Huzschau, Hureschau, Horschau, Hürshau, Hureshau, and Hoschau.
Hirschau can also appear as a given name, and many of the variations of this surname can also be anglicized as Hirsh or Hursh. All of these surnames have the same origin and share the same meaning.
Famous people with the name Hirschau
- Maxfield Hirschau: Austrian entrepreneur and founder of the firm Liftow
- Johann Christoph Hirschau: early German geographer
- Richard Hirschau: 20th century writer and editor in Austria
- Florian Hirschau: German sculptor, known for his bronze sculptures
- Richard Hirschau Jr.: Austrian director, screenplay writer, and producer
- Michael Hirschau: Austrian business executive and member of the International Olympic Committee
- Ludwig von Hirschau: 18th century Austrian baron and noted collector of books
- Sherryl Hirschau: American author on topics such as looted artwork and art controversies
- Rudolf Hirschauer: German glass artist and painter
- Rosanna Hirschau: Italian singer and musical artist