Surname Arlt - Meaning and Origin

Voyages and Vikings: A surprising twist in my Arlt ancestry through iGENEA DNA testing

My journey into ancestral discovery through the iGENEA DNA test provided some surprising turns. While I was aware of my German heritage connected to the Arlt surname, the revelation of a stronger Scandinavian ancestry left me re-evaluating my understanding of my family's historical narrative. The test opened an unexpected door to the adventurous world of the Vikings, breathing a new life into the Arlt lineage.

U. Arlt

Arlt: What does the surname Arlt mean?

The last name Arlt is a German surname of both Ashkenazi and Bavarian origins. The name is derived from the Germanic personal name "Arnold," meaning "the eagle power." This surname was most common among populations living in Bavaria, a region of south-central Germany, and was typically used by families of low social status.

Many people bearing the Arlt surname can trace their family history back to the Middle Ages when the name was popularized in the region of Bavaria. The earliest documented reference to the surname is from the 12th century, where a knight named Eberhard is referred to as Eberhard Arnoleti. Over time, this name evolved to the modern form of Arlt.

Variations of the Arlt surname include Arlte, Arlette, Erlte, Arltt, and Arlitt. These variants were most commonly found among Bavarian families in the 15th century.

The modern spelling of Arlt was prominent in the 1890s in both Germany and parts of the United States, such as Pennsylvania and Nebraska. In Germany, the largest number of bearers of the name is found in Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg, and in the United States, it is most commonly found in the state of Georgia.

The Arlt surname has a long and rich history and can be traced back to its earliest origins. It has evolved over the centuries to become one of the more common German surnames. Those bearing this name are most likely of Bavarian descent.

Arlt: Where does the name Arlt come from?

The last name Arlt is most commonly found in Germany today. After World War II, many people with this surname emigrated to other countries, so it can also be found in parts of Europe, North and South America, and Australia.

The surname originated in the Middle Ages in Germany and is likely derived from the first name ARNOLD. According to the German GEDBAS genealogical database, the name is likely derived from the German elements arn (eagle) and wald (strength).

The name Arlt was often associated with the various professions held by the people who bear the name. Records show that Arlts were often farmers, millers, potters, blacksmiths, and tailors. In the old German states, many men with the last name Arlt also served in the military.

Today, the name Arlt is still widely recognized in Germany and is shared by people from varying backgrounds; Arlt is the name of the chief of a police union in Germany and several athletes, actors, and musicians. It has also been the name of a steel statue in Austria and a jewelry studio in the US. There is also a city in Germany called Arnstadt, which is known as the "city of Arlts."

Variations of the surname Arlt

The surname Arlt has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Arlol, Ahrlt, Ahrlette, Arhold, Arnoldt, and Arldt. Other similar names include Erlau, Allert, Erlt, Erlendt, Orl, Orlt, Erlet, Erler, Arlitt, Url, Allardt, Allart, and Allerdt. The name Arlt can be found most commonly in Germany and parts of Europe, though it can also appear in some other parts of the world.

The origins of the name can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was a prestigious and respected name. It comes from the Middle High German "Erelein" which means "Earl". During this time, an Earl was a nobleman of higher rank who had the authority to lead serfs or peasants and own land.

In France, the name Arl has a more aristocratic origin and is derived from the Old French "Arles" or "Arls" which means "the hider". This was a nickname that was given to someone who was a great hunter and was used as a way to pay respect to their skill in hiding and taking down prey.

The surname Arlt has also been spelled in various other ways. Some of these are Arnolt, Allard, Erland, Harl, and Allermann.All of these names are derived from the same root and have the same meaning of Earl or Hunter.

Famous people with the name Arlt

• Sebastian Arlt: German-born Australian actor, most notably known for his roles as Dr. Ingmar Hugo in the film Red Dog: True Blue (2016) and as Chad Blatt on the television show Hiding (2016-2017).
• Roberto Arlt: Argentine novelist, short story writer, dramatist and journalist. He was an influential vanguardist author who wrote during the 1920s and 1930s and who is at times referred to as the "Tucuman Rimbaud.” His works include Los relatos, El juguete rabioso, Los siete locos and La vorágine.
• Alfred Arlt: German poet who served in the Prussian Armies during the Franco-Prussian War and later settled in East Prussia. His works included Die Maske des goldnen Lammes (1904) and Neue Gedichte (1907).
• Franz Arlt: Austrian alpine skier, winner of the gold medal in downhill at the 1952 Winter Olympics.
• Charles Arlt: French painter and sculptor, born in Strasbourg in 1934. He is known for his minimalist abstract works.
• William Arlt: American actor, known for appearing in Drop Dead Diva (2009-2012) and ABC’s Naughty and Nice (2012).
• Alayah Arlt: Canadian tennis player and two-time ITF Junior Circuit singles champion.
• Erik Arlt: American film editor, producer, and director, best known for his film Jump (2006).
• Erich Arlt: German painter and sculptor, active in the mid to late 20th century. His most notable sculptures are the Eisenkopp grouping in Munich and the Young Sower at the Workers’ Hall in Stuttgart.
• Birgit Arlt: German athlete, world record holder in women's 400 metres freestyle and bronze medal winner at the 1964 Summer Olympics.

Other surnames

ArlandArlauskasArledgeArlothArlovicArlow