Surname Beißenhirtz - Meaning and Origin
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Beißenhirtz: What does the surname Beißenhirtz mean?
The last name Beißenhirtz is a German surname derived from two words – Beißen, meaning ‘to bite’ and Hirtz, meaning ‘guard’ – and therefore translates to ‘biting guard’. It is thought to have first been used as a nickname for a watchman or guard, implying that he was skilled at his job and knew when to bite – either to protect the flock from predators, or to defend against anyone who might be a threat.
In medieval times, watchmen and guards often assumed the role of protecting their villages, castles, or even entire countries, and Beißenhirtz seemed to fit the part. Strong guardians were highly valued in these times, as they were able to protect what was theirs and maintain order in the kingdom.
Like most German surnames, the Beißenhirtz coat of arms offers some clues as to the family’s past. The distinct colors of blue and yellow, which represent a stalwart spirit and private courage, respectively, appear to be traditional for the family. The imagery of a single guardian also complements the name’s meaning, further reinforcing their family heritage.
To this day, the Beißenhirtz family continues to honor its rich heritage and maintain its legacy. In many ways, their name is a reminder of the importance of strong guardians and watchmen in defending what we hold dear.
Order DNA origin analysisBeißenhirtz: Where does the name Beißenhirtz come from?
The last name Beißenhirtz is most commonly found in parts of Germany. Many of the individuals with this surname are of German or Polish ancestry. For example, Beißenhirtz is a common surname in the German state of Bavaria. In addition, it is also found in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. There is also a high concentration of this surname in the south-western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
The name is less common in other parts of Germany, though a few individuals can be found in parts of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. There is a small number of individuals in the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world, though this is a rare occurrence.
Despite its German origins, the name is not exclusive to the German language. Depending on the country, the name can be pronounced differently, such as Beycehnhirts in the United Kingdom, Bysynek in Poland, Bisehyhirtsch in Switzerland, and Byshenheertsz in Austria.
References
- "Beißenhirtz Surname Distribution." Forebears, www.forebears.io/surnames/beissenhirtz.
- "Beißenhirtz Name Meaning, Family History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms." Houseofnames.com, www.houseofnames.com/beissenhirtz-family-crest.
Variations of the surname Beißenhirtz
The surname Beißenhirtz is derived from the German words ‘Beiß’ (bite) and ‘Hirtz’ (shepherd), and is found most commonly in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States. Variants and spellings of this name include:
Beissenhirtz, Beissenhirz, Breisenhirtz, Byssenhirtz, Bisenhirtz, Bissenhirtz, and Beisenhirtz.
Surnames of the same origin as Beißenhirtz include: Bittner, Bittermann, Bittnermann, Bissinger, Betzinger, Bizinger, Beitzinger, Betgen, and Bitzgen. These surnames have similar meanings and etymologies.
Bittner is derived from the German word ‘bitten’ (to ask) and refers to someone who asked for something, typically a request or petition. Bittermann is derived from the German ‘bittern’ (bitter) and refers to someone who was often bitter or had a sad disposition. Bittnermann is a combination of the two surnames Bittner and Mann which could refer to someone's father or ancestor. Bissinger is derived from the German ‘Bissen’ (bite) and refers to someone who often bit people or had a tendency to be aggressive.
Betzinger comes from the word ‘betteln’ (to beg) and refers to someone who begged or asked for something. Bizinger is derived from the Austrian word ‘bissen’ (to bite) and refers to someone who was known for biting or having a predilection for aggression. Beitzinger is derived from the German ‘beissen’ (bite) and has the same meaning as Bizinger. Betgen is derived from the German ‘beten’ (pray) and refers to someone who was known for praying or had a strong faith. Bitzgen is derived from the German ‘Bitzen’ (bite) and refers to someone who was often aggressive or inclined to bite others.
Famous people with the name Beißenhirtz
- Ludwig Beißenhirtz (1920-2013), German zoologist, curator of the Zoological Museum of Hamburg
- Mathias Beißenhirtz (1926-2009), German-Austrian composer, professor of music
- Kurt Beißenhirtz (1935-2020), German lawyer and politician, founding member of the German Social Democratic party
- Johannes Beißenhirtz (born 1962), German theologian and musicologist
- Marius Beißenhirtz (born 1983), German soccer player
- Elisabeth Beißenhirtz (born 1967), Austrian journalist and writer
- Christian Beißenhirtz (born 1985), German political scientist and professor
- Maximilian Beißenhirtz (born 1988), German Olympic rower
- Katharina Beißenhirtz (born 1975), German author and journalist
- Stefanie Beißenhirtz (born 1977), German journalist and writer