Surname Egerth - Meaning and Origin

Egerth: What does the surname Egerth mean?

The last name Egerth is of German origin and is a common variant of the surname Augerth. The etymology of the name is derived from the Old High German 'oder' or the Middle High German 'ougert', which means an open, vast area. Generally an Augerth is a large, open area of land, usually an unfenced meadow or heathland.

Throughout history, Augerth surname holders have been involved in agriculture such as farming, animal husbandry and forestry. Variations of the Augerth surname, such as Egerth, can be prevalent in three German states: Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria and Hesse.

Today, individuals and families who bear the surname Egerth may have a strong connection with their Germanic heritage. Those who may trace their roots to the Augerth family might even find that they are distant relatives. The meaning of the surname Egerth signifies a large, open space, most likely owned by one's ancestors. It therefore identifies the place of origin of one's ancestral family and connects them to their Germanic roots.

Egerth: Where does the name Egerth come from?

The last name Egerth is common today primarily in Europe, particularly in the countries along the Rhine River in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is also present in surrounding countries, such as the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Hungary.

The name likely has its origins in Germany where it was first recorded in the 13th century. It is thought to have derived from the Old High German words Aheoffensive and Dar offensive, meaning ‘arable land’ or ‘cleared farmland’.

The earliest known records of the name show it in the areas surrounding Karlshafen, a small town on the Weser River in the north of Germany. Subsequently, the surname spread eastward towards the Rhine and south towards the shores of Lake Constance.

Today, people with the last name Egerth live primarily in cities like Basel, Zurich, and Geneva in Switzerland; Frankfurt, Mainz, and Nuremberg in Germany; and Vienna, Graz, and Linz in Austria. It is also widespread in rural areas in close proximity to the Ural, Rhine, and Main rivers as well as the Danube.

Overall, the name is not particularly common in North America, though there are a few Egerths living in Canada and the United States.

Variations of the surname Egerth

The surname Egerth is an ancient form of the surname Edge. It is believed to have originated in western Europe as an occupational name for someone who is an edge-worker – someone who sharpens or shapes sharp edges of objects or tools. It can be spelled various ways, including Edgar, Edger, Egart, Egarth, Eger, Eeger, Eegerth and Eagar.

In addition, some variants and spellings of the name also have an extra ‘e' at the beginning or end of the name, such as Eeger, Eegert, Eegar and Egert. It is also sometimes seen as a suffix, such as Angerer, Egerd, Egersen, Egermann, Egerer or Ettger.

The surname is also believed to have had a few minor variations over the years, with some individuals being listed as Egers, Egerton and Egge, as well as Edgecombe and Edgin.

In addition to the variations in spelling, there are also numerous surnames that have the same origin. This includes Egerton, Egerton-Smith, Egerton-Brown and Egerton-Penzer. All of these variations are in addition to Edgehill, Egelbert and Eagelton.

Overall, the surname Egerth is an ancient form of the more modern surname Edge, and represents an occupational name for someone who sharpens or shapes edges. This surname has various spellings and minor variations including a few with extra ‘e’s, and a number of surnames that share the same origin.

Famous people with the name Egerth

• Richard Egerth: Professional photographer who has worked for L’Uomo Vogue, Savannah Magazine, and other high-profile publications.
• Uli Egerth: Swiss alpine skier who won a bronze medal in the downhill at the 1984 Winter Olympics.
• Logan Egerth: Former professional distance runner who has broken various age-group records in Sweden and the United States.
• Martin Egerth: Estonian politician and diplomat who served as a foreign minister during the first Estonian government in 1918.
• Karl Egerth: Austrian sculptor who created a statue of Christianity for the new church in Wels, Upper Austria.
• Johann Egerth: Historian from the 19th century best known for his research into the history of the 16th-century Reformation.
• Leonard Egerth: German sociologist who has published extensively on topics ranging from education and public health to tourism and politics.
• Otto Egerth: Austrian architect who designed several important Neo-Gothic churches in Vienna.
• Violetta Egerth: Taiwanese painter and sculptor who is best known for her sculptures of cats and other animals.
• Helene Egerth: Swiss professor of sociology who published research critical of the role of the family in oppression of women.

Other surnames

EgertEgerter