Surname Ungerat - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'U'
Ungerat: What does the surname Ungerat mean?
The last name Ungerat is a Germanic name derived from the Middle High German term ungerat, meaning “excellent, strong”. This was originally primarily given as a nickname to someone who was considered “excellent” or “strong”. The name was particularly popular in regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The name was first recorded during the 13th century in the emergence of surnames. During this time, the majority of surnames were derived from a person’s job, or physical characteristics that would distinguish them from others. For example, a blacksmith could have the last name “Schmied”, which is German for blacksmith.
In this case, however, the surname Ungerat was adopted as a means of preserving the perception of being “excellent” or “strong”. This likely signified a family’s power, wealth, or respect in their community.
Today the surname remains popular throughout Europe and the United States. In America, the majority of people with the last name Ungerat can trace their roots to German or Austrian immigrants.
Order DNA origin analysisUngerat: Where does the name Ungerat come from?
The last name Ungerat is a fairly uncommon name that is usually found in eastern and southern central Europe. It has most likely originated in the area of Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria. This surname was most likely derived from the German word “unger” which means young man.
Today, this last name can still be found in those same countries, but with more frequency in certain regions, such as that of Slovakia as there has been a population spike. With over 500 listings for Ungerat in Slovakia on the phonebook website, it is the most populous area of Ungerats in Central Europe. It is also believed that the surnames Ungeraty and Ungerova are synonyms of Ungerat.
In the United States, the surname Ungerat can also be found but it is much less common than in Central Europe and is in decline. It can be assumed that many of the Ungerats in the US can be traced back to the influx of European immigrants that started in the late 1800’s. Today, there are only 225 people in the US with the last name Ungerat.
The current population of people with the last name Ungerat is a mere fraction of what it once was in the region and is in a state of decline and it is unlikely there will be a sudden spike in further proliferation of this name around the world.
Variations of the surname Ungerat
Ungerat is a surname of German origin and is derived from the Old High German name ‘Hungerhard’, indicating something alive and determined to survive. This surname likely began as a first name as well.
Variant spellings of the surname Ungerat include Ingraham, Ungerecht, Ungereuter, Ungerath, Ingierath (or Ingirath), Ingierich, Engerard, Engerich, Eingerich, Engerot, Engerer, Ingerat, Ingerath, Ingerich, Ingerrich, Ingerot, and Engerich.
Those with the Ungerat surname may have ancestors from both Germany and Hungary. This is due to Ungerat being a relatively common surname in both of these countries, though the actual origin of the name is German.
Surnames deriving from Ungerat include Unger, Ungeroth, Ungerer, Ungerecht, Ungerich, Engerich, Engerot, Ingerich, Ingerot, Ingerath, and Ingirath. These are all derived from the German root name, German origin, and/or the Hungarian form of the name.
Overall, Ungerat is a surname with German roots and likely began as a first name. It is still popular among those of German descent today. With so many variations or spellings of the surname, its meaning has likely changed over the years.
Famous people with the name Ungerat
- Anton Ungerat, an Austrian classical pianist
- Darrin Schuck, an American major league baseball player
- Steven Ungerat, a Canadian television and film actor
- Christian Ungerat, an Austrian association football player
- Albert Ungerat, an Austrian music theorist and composer
- John Ungerat, an American film producer
- Heidemarie Ungerat, an Austrian ski jumper
- Bernd Ungerat, an Austrian former ski jumper
- Michael Ungerat, an Austrian Paralympic alpine skier
- Peter Ungerat, an Austrian alpine skier