Surname Hirt - Meaning and Origin
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iGENEA DNA Test: Unearthing the Influence and Legacy of My Ancestors - The Hirt Family
In an exciting journey of self-discovery through a DNA test at iGENEA, I connected to my unknown ancestors named Hirt, leading to deep revelations about my heritage, preferences, and self-identity. The unexpected insights influenced my self-perception and gave me a deeper connection with my roots.
K. Hirt
read moreHirt: What does the surname Hirt mean?
The last name Hirt is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "hirte," which means "shepherd." This surname was likely bestowed upon an ancestor who was a shepherd, one who raised livestock or a herdsman. The shepherding profession was historically and continues to be a highly respected occupation, given that it involves the nurturing and tending of animals.
The Hirt surname can also be said to reflect qualities associated with shepherds, such as patience, conservatism, and loyalty. Shepherds must dedicate themselves to their profession, being patient as their flock grows, and loyal to their sheep by looking after them and providing them with the best care possible. Additionally, their occupation often lends itself to a more conservative way of life, avoiding risk and producing dependable results.
In the modern day, the Hirt name can be encountered in various countries around the world, such as the United States, Austria, Czech Republic, and Germany. Although considerable spelling variations for the surname exist, its basic meaning is likely to remain unchanged throughout the centuries – that of an ancestor who was a shepherd.
Order DNA origin analysisHirt: Where does the name Hirt come from?
The last name Hirt is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today, especially in the states of Bavaria and Hesse. In Germany, Hirt is the 719th most common surname and in Austria, it is the 373rd most common surname. In both countries, the surname is primarily regional with most of its bearers living in Bavaria, Hesse, and Austria's Eastern stretching provinces of Lower Austria, Vienna, and Burgenland. In the United States, the surname Hirt is comparatively rare, with it not appearing in the top 1000 surnames according to the most recent United States Census.
The surname Hirt, which translates to ‘herdsman’ or ‘shepherd’ in English, is derived from the Old High German word "hirte" used to describe someone who tended to livestock. The occupational surname could have likely been adopted by shepherds and cattle herders who lived in Germany and Austria in the Middle Ages. Families with the last name Hirt could be traced to the late 11th century when the first known Hirt ancestor was living in Bavaria.
The surname spread throughout Europe over the centuries and it is estimated that more than 40,000 individuals today are bearers of the Hirt surname. Variants of the surname include Hurth, Hürth, and Hird. It is worth noting that the last name is also occasionally found in countries outside of Europe such as Argentina, Canada, Brazil, and the United States of America.
Variations of the surname Hirt
The surname Hirt has many variants and spellings from around the world. The original surname harks back to the German language, where it derives from the Middle High German word "hirte", meaning shepherd. As the occupation of shepherd was very common throughout the middle ages, the name has spread throughout many countries and is present in various spellings and forms.
In its original spelling, the surname Hirt can be found in Germany and Austria as well as connected regions in Central Europe. Variations of the Hirt surname include Hurt, Hurte, Hurth, Hürtt, Hartt, Härtt, Hyrette, Hürt, Hirsch, Herz and Herzt, as well as Hertz and Herzog.
Beyond central Europe, variants of Hirt can be found elsewhere. In the United-States, Hurte, Hurt and Hirt are all found, as is the alternative spelling Herte. There is even an additional variation of the name: Hirtle.
In England, the variants expressed are Hurt, Hurte, Hurth and Hirt. In France, the surname is more often found as Hurte or Hurt. In the Netherlands and Scandinavia, the surname is expressed as Hirt or Hurth.
Throughout Europe, the surname Hirt is found with more frequency and in more variations than in other parts of the world. It is also quite a common surname, which suggests that it was at some point prevalent throughout many countries and, while it may now have a number of different spellings, variations and surnames of the same origin, it has its roots in a shared heritage.
Famous people with the name Hirt
- Al Hirt: American trumpeter
- Terence Fletcher Hirt: Canadian lawyer and politician
- John Hirt: American actor
- Max Hirt: German composer and musician
- Ernesto de la Cruz Hirt: Spanish competitive swimmer
- Hermann Hirt: German philologist and linguist
- Frederick Hirt: American painter and portrait artist
- Hermann Hirt Junior: German classicist
- Greg Hirt: American football player
- Gilbert Hirtz: French cyclist
- Peter Hirt: Swiss rower
- Nils Hirt: German footballer
- Fluck Hirt: Swiss tennis player
- Samuel M. Hirt: American lawyer
- Roger Hirt: French politician
- Hans Hirt: German actor
- Karl Friedrich Anton Hirt: German geographer
- Hans Hirt Junior: German entomologist
- Eberhard Hirt: German writer
- Johann Siegmund Hirt: German theologian