Surname Görts - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Görts: What does the surname Görts mean?
The last name Görts is of German origin, most likely derived from the Middle Low German word "Gort" meaning " mud puddle". It was likely first used as a nickname or an occupational name for a person who worked near or around mud such as a farmer. The word developed into a surname and was eventually adopted by several families.
Görts is one of the earliest belaborings of a family name and is associated with a many branches, mills, farms, castles, and nobles throughout Germany. Records of Gorts families in Germany dating back to the 13th century make it one of the oldest known last names in the country. In some areas of Germany, such as Austria, the name has morphed and is recorded as Görz, Görzke, and Görzel.
Today, the Görts surname, although spelled many different ways, is common throughout Germany, the Netherlands, France, Canada and the United States. It is likely one of the more popular surnames of Germanic origin and is also a frequent presence in genealogical records.
Some of the notable individuals with this family name include Johann Görts, a German author of the 19th century, and Martin Görts, a 19th century German composer.
Order DNA origin analysisGörts: Where does the name Görts come from?
The last name Görts is a German surname which is most commonly found in Germany today. The name is derived from the German term "gort" which means " audacity". This surname is believed to have originated in the historic Erzgebirge region which was located in the modern-day German state of Saxony.
The Görts family has a long history in Germany, with their presence traceable as far back as the 12th century, where it was mentioned in several records from the medieval city of Leipzig. During the 16th century, the Görts family flourished in the region, particularly in the cities and towns of Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz. They were prominent members of the city's guilds and households, and often held important positions in the local church.
In the modern day, the surname Görts continues to be present in Germany and other parts of Europe, particularly in the regions which were once part of the historic Erzgebirge region. Besides Germany, this surname is also found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and other parts of Central Europe. The Görts family is well established in the United States, as well, having arrived in the 1800s and since spread to many states in the Midwest, where they have become part of the local culture.
Variations of the surname Görts
The surname Görts has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Görts, Görtz, Göß, Gürtz, Gorts, Goertz, Gertz, and Goert.
The surname Görts is believed to have originated in northern Germany, in the area of former East Prussia. The variant spellings likely originated from local dialects and regional spelling habits, as well as variations of a single name that developed over locations and generations.
The origin of Görts is derived from the Old High German word "gurt," meaning "gloomy," which had the alternate spelling of "gurz," meaning "anger." As such, the surname Görts may have initially been given to a family or individual known for a gloomy or angry temperament.
In addition to the Görts spelling, other surnames derived from this root include Görtz, Göß, Gürtz, Gorts, Goertz, Gertz, and Goert. These names all likely derived from a single ancestor, many generations ago.
Variants of the G×rts surname are still found throughout Germany. In the modern era, it is still possible to find G×rtz living in both East and West Prussia, as well as Schleswig-Holstein, Austria, Switzerland, France, Holland, and throughout Europe. Additionally, many families bearing variations of this surname have immigrated to the United States, Canada, and numerous other countries.
Famous people with the name Görts
- Elisabeth Görts-van Rijn: dutch author, researcher, and environmentalist.
- Caroline Görts: German long-distance runner and Olympian.
- Tobias Görts: German footballer and current player for Borussia Dortmund.
- Emmy Görts: Dutch squash player who currently holds 17 titles and is the current world champion.
- Felix Görts: German football player who is currently the goalkeeper for SVW Eichede.
- Thorsten Görts: German entrepreneur and inventor who has over 150 patents.
- Eva Görts: German international handballer who currently plays for TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
- Volker Görts: German sketch artist and painter.
- Birthe Görts: German sprint athlete and Olympian.
- Christian Görtz: German fashion designer and founder of the Görts & Kettele fashion label.