Surname Bierwierth - Meaning and Origin
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Bierwierth: What does the surname Bierwierth mean?
The surname Bierwierth (also spelled Bierwerth) is derived from an old German name meaning "man of the brewery." This name is most likely derived from occupational or regional origins, referring to someone who worked at a brewery or came from an area in Germany known for its production of beer. The name first appears in Germany in the late 1700s and is still quite common today.
This surname is likely of pre-medieval or early medieval origin, in which it was one of many associated with a particular occupation or vocation. In some instances, it may also have been formed from a nickname used to describe an individual’s character or physical characteristics. It would not be surprising to find variations of this surname in other areas of Europe, especially in countries such as Austria, Holland, and Switzerland.
In the US, most bearers of the Bierwierth surname settled in the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio, as well as in cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. This type of name, however, could be found all across the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as German immigration increased.
In its various spellings, the Bierwierth surname is associated with a rich German heritage and tradition. Its Latin translation, "homem brassicae," reinforces this association even further, referring to both a man of the brewery and someone of brewer family heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisBierwierth: Where does the name Bierwierth come from?
The surname Bierwierth is most commonly associated with German-speaking areas, mainly Germany and Austria. While it appears there have been families with the surname Bierwierth for centuries, records show that it was most likely a fairly uncommon name.
The name can also be found with varying spellings, including Biewerth, Beerwirth, and Beerweit. In the 19th century, the name was abundant in some regions of Germany (such as in Prussia and Bavaria), while in other regions of the country it was rare or totally absent. Throughout the 20th century, the pattern of distribution somewhat maintained.
Currently, the inhabitants of Germany with the surname Bierwierth are estimated to be over 2,500 people. Its frequency has been slowly increasing, but it still remains quite rare in other countries.
In the United States, the surname Bierwierth is found in relatively low numbers. As of 2019, less than 150 people were known to be using this surname in the United States. It appears most of these individuals have German ancestry.
The same is true in Austria, although the number of people using this surname is slightly higher, as there are around 300 people living in Austria with the surname Bierwierth. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the name Bierwierth is extremely rare, with only a small handful of people living in the country using the surname.
Overall, while the surname Bierwierth is still associated with central Europe today, it remains rare in many other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Bierwierth
The surname Bierwierth is a German-language surname with its origin in towns in East Prussia (now Russia) and West Prussia (now Poland). This often-encountered name is especially common in North America and Germany, as well as Hungary and other German-speaking countries.
Variants of this surname are Bierwirth, Beirwirth, Beirwierth, Beirwirth, Bierwehr, Bierwehrt, Bierwerth, Bierworth, Berwirth, Berwierth, and Beyerwirth. There is also a variant in the form of Bierwirth in the Netherlands.
In terms of alternate spellings, some versions of the Bierwierth surname appear with hyphens such as Bierwierth-Gerdes and Bierwierth-Klinger. Other versions of this surname may appear as Beirwirth, Bierwehr, Bierwerth, or Beirwerer for example.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, common forms include Biermaier, Biermeier, Beiermeyer, Beiermayer, Beiermaier, and Beirmeier.
The Bierwierth surname is very ancient; its earliest known use appears to be from the 1700s in East Prussia, where towns such as Bierwierth, Bierwerth, Berwehrth, and Beirwirth can be found.
Famous people with the name Bierwierth
- Andrew Bierwirth: American actor best known for his performances in the films K-PAX and PolarX
- Brittany Bierwirth: Professional dancer specializing in musical theater, tap, and jazz
- Charles Bierwirth: Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, playwright, radio commentator, and author
- Edwin H. Bierwirth: President of Goucher College in Maryland from 1956–1973
- Frank Bierwirth: Leading U.S. automobile designer and engineering specialist
- Greg Bierwirth: American football player who played as a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings
- Henry Bierwirth: Natural historian and ornithologist from Bavaria, Germany
- Justus Bierwirth: German engineer who designed the first electric elevator
- Mark Bierwirth: Designer of the United Nations logo
- Oscar Bierwirth: German-born son of an aristocratic family who immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century