Surname Alhart - Meaning and Origin

Alhart: What does the surname Alhart mean?

The name Alhart is a German surname that originated with the personal name Alhart. It is derived from the Old High German word for “noble” or “brave.” It is believed that people who used the name were of noble descent or had achieved some level of economic or social standing.

The Alhart family originates from southern Germany and the surrounding region, although the name can be found throughout Europe. The name is most common throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. However, there are also some Alhart families established in the United States, having arrived from Germany and other parts of Europe in the 18th century.

Alharts have a strong sense of duty and loyalty to their families, friends, and communities. They are driven and hard working, usually taking a direct and assertive approach to their endeavors. They prefer to take action to solve problems. Alharts also tend to be traditional in their values and beliefs, valuing stability and tradition.

There is no single Alhart coat of arms, as the name is not a title of nobility, with each family group having its own coat of arms. The most common design features a stained glass window, symbolizing a focus on the present and future, surrounded by a spiked circle, signifying strength and protection. Many Alhart families also have a shield as part of their symbol, along with crossed swords or similar symbols of protection and security.

Alhart: Where does the name Alhart come from?

The last name Alhart is most commonly found in the United States, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is likely that the surname has a German origin, since it bears some resemblance to the German word 'Alhart' which means 'all heart'.

In the United States, the highest concentration of people with the last name Alhart is found in Pennsylvania. Other concentrations are scattered throughout the country, including Texas, Virginia, Ohio, and California. In Pennsylvania, many of the individuals with this surname can be found in the counties of Berks, Lancaster, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill.

In Germany, the name is most commonly found in Bavaria. In Austria, it is mostly found in Vienna and Lower Austria, while in Switzerland it is concentrated mainly in the cantons of Zurich and St. Gallen.

Outside of Europe, people with the surname Alhart are also found in Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Lebanon, and Australia. It is likely that the Alhart family emigrated from Europe and established itself in these countries during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variations of the surname Alhart

The Alhart name is quite unique and it is believed to emerge from the region known as the Rhine Valley. The earliest records of the name date from the 12th century, when they were referred to as "Alard" in the records of the dukedom of Limburg.

The original spelling of Alhart is "Alard", however, over time, this evolved into other variations in spelling, such as Alardt, Allard, Alhards, Alhardson, Alhert, Allart, Allerton, Alherts, and Allerds.

The Netherlands, northern and western Germany, and Switzerland were the locations of most of the Alhart surname holders prior to the 17th century. During that period, the spelling of the name began to vary due to differences in practice between regions. In the Netherlands, for example, variants of the name may have been listed as Aelghan or Aelhagen, while in Germany, it may have been Alharrd.

In the United States, where immigrants from Europe settled, the name is predominantly spelled Alhart or Allard. There is also a fair spread of other spellings, including Allerds, Alhardson, and Alherts. In Australia, the name has been recorded as Allart, Allerton and Alhert.

The Alhart name is thought to be a derivative of an old German word ‘al’, which means ‘all’ or ‘noble’, followed by ‘hardt’, which means hard or strong. This suggests that the name was originally given to people as a descriptor of their character.

No matter the spelling used, ultimately, the Alhart name is of Germanic origin.

Famous people with the name Alhart

• Mohamad Alhart: Mohamad Alhart is a multi-award winning Lebanese playwright, theatre director and art director. He is the founder and artistic director of An-Nahar Theater, and has written over twenty plays and directed over a hundred productions in Lebanon.
• Omar Alhart: Omar Alhart is a successful businessman and philanthropist from the United Arab Emirates. He is the chairman and managing director of the Alham Durrah Group, a private business holding company with interests in real estate, hospitality, technology, construction and logistics.
• Munira Alhart: Munira Alhart is an Emirati architect and interior designer and one of the most esteemed female practitioners in her field. She trained and once worked at Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and is now a professor of interior design, architecture, and urban planning at Zayed University in Dubai.
• Azza Alhart: Azza Alhart is an Emirati philanthropist and the founder of the Alham Durrah Foundation, an organization focused on promoting education, social development, and cultural awareness in the United Arab Emirates. She is also a board member of the Emirates Red Crescent and a member of the Arab Women's Council.
• Laila Alhart: Laila Alhart is a famous Emirati socialite, fashionista, and businesswoman. She is well-known for her luxurious lifestyle and her philanthropic work, which includes donations to charities around the Middle East.

Other surnames

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