Surname Kirste - Meaning and Origin
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Kirste: What does the surname Kirste mean?
Kirste is a surname of German origin, derived from the given name Christian. It is mainly found throughout northern Europe, and most commonly in Germany, Denmark, and Norway. The name is derived from the Greek word 'christos', meaning 'The Anointed One' and symbolises the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The surname Kirste is also an occupational name, derived from the Low German word ‘kirst’ which can mean ‘one who works in Christ’s service’ or ‘a church attendant’. It is also thought to have been used as a metonym for someone who works in a church or a monastery.
Kirste is an uncommon name, and many variants of the surname exist, including Kirche in Germany, Kirsten in Denmark, and Aarestrup in Norway. Kirstes are generally believed to be a religious people, since the name literally means “The Anointed One”. Kirstes have a strong sense of faith and are often spiritual in nature.
Kirstes tend to have an enduring and determined spirit, with a strong sense of purpose and pride in their faith. They are often determined to serve their community and act with a great sense of justice and kindness. They are very sociable and can make great friends and colleagues.
Order DNA origin analysisKirste: Where does the name Kirste come from?
The last name Kirste is of German origin. Today, it is most commonly found in northern Germany and the Baltic countries. It is also found throughout Europe, in countries such as France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Romania. Outside of Europe, it can be found in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and India.
The earliest known use of the surname was when a Christian Kirste was recorded living in Hanover, Germany in the year 1623. A century later, Johannes Kirste lived in Lauenburg, Germany. The first recorded use of the name in the United States was in 1880 when Wiliam Kirste arrived in Michigan. By the following year, he had established the Kirste brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The name continues to be popular across Germany and other parts of Europe, but it is a more uncommon surname across the rest of the world. Statistics from German genealogical research portal Verwandt.de show Kirste to be the 2,982nd most common surname in Germany today.
It remains to be seen whether the surname will continue to decrease in popularity or whether it will regain the same level of prevalence that it enjoyed centuries ago.
Variations of the surname Kirste
The surname Kirste is a patronymic name derived from the German personal name “Krist”, which is derived from the Latin “Christ”. Over the centuries, many variations and spellings of the name Kirste have developed; some of the most common being Kyrst, Kyrsti, Kyrsty, Kirshtie, Kirshte, Kirschte, Kyrschte, Këriste and Kërscht.
The variants Kyrst and Kyrsty are the most common, stemming from the Middle High German “kiristine” or “kiristi” - a name hence associated with Christianity. Kirshte or Kërscht is derived from the Greek “Kοὐρὸς(koros)”, meaning “Gentle”. Kyrschte is derived from either the Middle High German “kiristine” or the Latin “kordatus”, meaning “Well Formed”.
The surname Kirste often appears accompanied by various prefixes and suffixes. Common prefix variants include Kirsht-, Ky(e)rst-, and Kërst-. Common suffix variants include -kirsch, -kirst, and -kerst.
Some of the surnames with the same origin as Kirste are Kyrstanor, Kyrstanski, Kirschteiner, Kirschtein, Kyrsteiner, and Kyrschteiner. The surname Kirschte is common in Germany, while Kyrsty is prevalent in Russia.
Kirste is also a popular German surname in the United States. Variants of this surname in the United States include Kirscht, Kyrst, and Kyrscht. The surname Kyrsty also appears frequently in records of immigrants from Russia to the US during the mid-19th century.
Famous people with the name Kirste
- Maria Kirste: German actress.
- Martin Kirste: German tennis player.
- Ute Kirstein: German television director and screenwriter.
- Lars Kirstein: German sprint canoeist.
- Kay Kirstein: German volleyball player.
- Bauserman Kirstein: German-Jewish actor, director, writer, producer.
- Ludwig Kirstein: German Jewish sculptor and war veteran.
- Michael Kirstein: German historian and entrepreneur.
- Jürgen Kirstein: German physicist and Bible scholar.
- Nanne Kirstein: Estonian artist and designer.