Surname Zurhorst - Meaning and Origin
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Zurhorst: What does the surname Zurhorst mean?
The last name Zurhorst is a German surname that has two likely origins. The first possibility is that the name is derived from the Middle High German zur, meaning “nearby” or “bordering”, combined with the Middle High German horst, meaning “wooded hill”. This would indicate that Zurhorst was a placename in medieval Germany, describing a location at a nearby hill with trees growing atop it. The second possibility is that the name is derived from the German zoren, which could come from either of two sources. The first source is the Middle High German zuren, meaning “to be proud of”. The second source is the Middle Dutch zuer, meaning “strong” or “fierce”. If this is the origin of the name, then the surname is a descriptive nickname, bestowed upon the first person to bear it, referring to the strength or ferocity that he possessed.
The first record of the Zurhorst surname is from 1434, when a man named Heidenrich von der Zurhorst was recorded in Augsburg. The Zapf family of Germany and various branches of the Zurhorst family have long held positions of esteem and local prominence, and many Zurhorts have served in a variety of military and government positions over the centuries. There were even some Zurhorsts who fought with the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Today, the last name Zurhorst is widespread throughout Germany, as well as the Netherlands, Switzerland, and other German-speaking countries, as well as the United States, Canada, and other countries where German immigrants have settled.
Order DNA origin analysisZurhorst: Where does the name Zurhorst come from?
The last name Zurhorst is a fairly rare name, but it is common in a number of countries. It is particularly common in parts of Germany, especially the West. It is also popular in other parts of Europe, notably the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria.
Archival records suggest that the name originates from the Bavarian region of Germany, which is located in the south-eastern part of the country. The name is likely to have originated in the Middle Ages and was initially used as a patronymic by someone whose father was named "Zur."
Outside of Europe it is still a popular surname in Germany-influenced countries, such as the United States, Brazil, Peru, Guatemala, and Colombia. Specific countries including India, Chile, Argentina, Canada, and South Africa also have a significant number of people named Zurhorst.
The name is an old one that still carries a lot of prestige. It is also likely to have been used as a first name more often than a surname during some periods. Over time, the name has been associated with notable individuals, including German barons, Dutch mayors, brewmasters, and members of the British nobility.
Variations of the surname Zurhorst
The surname Zurhorst is an ancient family name that has a number of different spellings and associated surnames. It was historically most common in Germany, but has spread to other countries over the years.
The most common spellings of the surname Zurhorst include Zurhost and Zurhorst. The different spellings of the name have been found in records from as far back as the 16th century. There are also variants such as Tzurhost,Zurhosch, Zuhorst and Zurhort.
The associated surnames that have been derived from the original spelling of Zurhorst include Zuhorst, Zuhr, Zur, Zuros and Zuer. These are likely a result of spelling errors and variations that have occurred over the centuries.
The surname Zurhorst is a distinctive and long-standing name that can be traced back to Germanic roots. It is not especially common, but variations and associated names can be found in a variety of records and registers around the world.
Famous people with the name Zurhorst
- André Zurhorst: German journalist, presenter and media manager. He is mainly known as a television presenter for several shows on German public broadcaster ZDF.
- Eveline van der Linden-Zurhorst: Dutch artist. She is famous for her artwork, which focuses on painting, sculpture, and photography.
- Erwin Zurhorst: German football manager. He managed several clubs in the German football leagues, such as Uerdingen 05 in 1996–1998.
- Annemarie Zurhorst: German screenwriter, actress, and director. She wrote scripts for films and television series, and acted in numerous movies and television shows.
- Marga Zurhorst: German interiors designer and journalist. She is well-known for her interior designing projects and for being the founding editor of the German interior design magazine ‘House & Garden’.
- Philipp Zurhorst: German sculptor and designer. He is best known for his sculptures depicting the human figure, as well as his designs for various consumer items.
- Marie-Therese Zurhorst: German author and word artist. She is credited for pioneering a new style of word art, combining modern painting techniques with a unique view of the written word.