Surname Charwath - Meaning and Origin

Charwath: What does the surname Charwath mean?

The last name Charwath is of Germanic origin and is associated with both English and Czech Ancestry. The meaning of the surname has been subject to various interpretations, but some linguistic and historical origins suggest that it may stem from a nickname for a powerful or resourceful person. This meaning could have developed from the Old High German word “harchyh” or “harchi” which means a “master” or “strong man.”

Historical records indicate that the family originated in the region of Schmalkalden in Germany, before migrating mainly to what is now the Czech Republic. The family’s name may have generated from the region they migrated to, as “harchyh” is a cognate of the modern Czech word “horce” which means strong or powerful.

The family lineage has continued over hundreds of years, and the surname is traditionally found alongside its variants Charwath, Charvat, Charvoat and Charvath. It is likely that the family chose to keep the original spelling of the name based on its origins and its meaning. It is also possible that each particular spelling instance may carry a slightly different meaning which is tied to its regional geographic origin.

Throughout the centuries, this family has continued to be quite prolific across Europe and its name has been adapted and spread to many countries. While it is unclear why the Charwaths chose to use this name, its origins are steeped in history. It is quite possible that the family’s choice of name was based on power and strength, and this meaning has been carried down to more recent generations.

Charwath: Where does the name Charwath come from?

The last name Charwath is commonly found today in areas that were part of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. This includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine. In the United States, the last name Charwath is most frequently found in communities of Central and Eastern European descent.

In Austria, the surname Charwath is almost exclusively concentrated in the Burgenland region near the Hungarian border. This area was part of the old Kingdom of Hungary until 1920. In the Czech Republic, the surname occurs mostly in the southern regions of Moravia and Bohemia, as well as in the capital city of Prague.

In Hungary, the surname Charwath is mainly present in the East Neusiedlersee region of the country. In Poland, the surname Charwath can be found in the Świętokrzyskie, Małopolska, and Podkarpackie regions. In Romania, the surname is found mainly in Saxon villages in the Harghita and Sibiu counties near the Transylvanian border.

In Slovakia, the surname Charwath is mainly concentrated in the western regions of Dunajská Streda and Komárno. Finally, in Ukraine, the surname Charwath is present in the region of Transcarpathia, which used to belong to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Variations of the surname Charwath

The surname Charwath is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Mac an tSaoir. The Gaelic form means "son of the craftsman" and it is found primarily as a anglicized variant in Ireland, the UK, and Australia.

Variants of this surname can include MacGowntes, MacGountis, McGownes, MacHaintas and MacHauntas.

Spellings of Mac an tSaoir can include McCauth, MacAntSarr, MacanTsiar, MacAntSore, Mcaunte, McCaunty, MacCaunte, MacCauntic, MacCauntie, MacCauntie, McOauntie, MacCounts, MacCunthy, MacIntsaih, MacOintas and MacOuntis.

Surnames with similar origins include MacCormack, MacGaunce, MacGinnis, MacTavish and MacIntyre.

The Charwath surname can be found in its original form in Scotland, particularly the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. It is also found in many U.S. states such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Famous people with the name Charwath

• Kevin Charwath: American professional basketball player who played four seasons in the NBA and ABA
• Derrick Charwath: Canadian football player who competed in the 1976 and 1977 CFL seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers
• Scarlett Charwath: German fashion model who has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and other publications
• David Charwath: American multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music producer
• Fred Charwath: Austrian lawyer and politician who was a former member of the country's Parliament
• Michael Charwath: British visual artist and sculptor who has exhibited around the world at galleries, museums, and public spaces
• Todd Charwath: American football player who played in the NFL for four seasons as an offensive guard for the Arizona Cardinals
• Jay Charwath: Canadian professional ice hockey player who played two seasons in the American Hockey League
• Elizabeth Charwath: British author, playwright, poet, and cultural critic
• Peter Charwath: German mathematician who served on the faculty of numerous universities and authored several books on number theory and related topics.

Other surnames

Charwat