Surname Herding - Meaning and Origin

Herding: What does the surname Herding mean?

The last name Herding is believed to have originated in Germany. The name is a derivation of the German name Herrman, which means "army man" or "soldier." It is an occupational surname that came from the German word herdinger, meaning "one who herds cattle." This suggests that a person with this name was likely involved with tending livestock, whether as a livestock herder, shepherd, or cowherd.

Herding was an important occupation in Germany, particularly in rural areas, from the Middle Ages to the early twentieth century. Not only was this work necessary for providing food, but also hides and wool for clothing and other items. This was a particularly prominent occupation in some areas of Western Germany, particularly the Rhineland.

Herding as a profession continued into the early twentieth century; however, the name Herding has also been known to be adopted by those who immigrated from Germany to the United States and Canada. During the nineteenth century especially, many German immigrants entered the United States and Canada to start a new life. During this time, many of them adopted surnames that would reflect their previous occupation. Thus, many Herdings in the United States and Canada today may not still be herders by profession, but may simply come from a long line of German herders.

Herding: Where does the name Herding come from?

The last name Herding is most commonly found in Germany, where it is thought to have originated. Its roots likely go back to the German language spoken by pre-medieval Germanic tribes, which is reminiscent of the fact that Herding appears to have been used partly as an occupational name for a sheep herder. It is thought that the name subsequently spread north, particularly into areas of modern Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Today, the name is still most commonly found in German-speaking countries, primarily the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is also found in other parts of Europe, in the United States, and even in Australia and other countries from the former British Empire.

Variations of the surname Herding

The surname Herding can be spelled in several different ways, including Herdyng, Herting, and Hearding. All of these variants have the same origin.

Herding is an Anglo-Saxon surname which derives from the Old English term "Hearding," which means to herd or graze cattle. It was likely taken on by someone who kept cattle, or the landowner who employed them. Thus, it is likely that the Herding surname originated in England.

The surname has gone through a few variations in spelling over the centuries. "Herding" is the most common spelling today, however "Herdyng," "Herting," and "Hearding" can also be found. These variants all ultimately derive from the same Anglo-Saxon origin, however they are the result of spellings that have been altered since the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Variations of the Herding surname have been found all over the world. In the United States, for example, the Herting and Hearding spellings of the surname are particularly common. There are also several related surnames with the same origin, such as Herting, Hearding, Hirding, and Hurden.

The Herding surname is associated with a number of notable people, including Charles William Herdyng, a British actor, and John Herdyng, a Danish/Norwegian astronomer from the 16th century.

Famous people with the name Herding

• Sarah Herding: Actress who stars in the Netflix original series, The Christmas Chronicles 2.
• Dominic Herding: German footballer who is currently playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
• Stan Herding: American former professional basketball player.
• Lily Herding: Canadian digital illustrator who focuses on creating stylized digital artworks.
• Tim Herding: American professional mixed martial artist.
• Vicki Herding: Emmy-winning makeup artist in the film and television industry.
• David Herding: Scottish former professional footballer.
• Isa Herding: German professional ice hockey goaltender.
• Francis Herding: American professional football player.
• Gordon Herding: Former professional tennis player from the United States.
• Thomas Herding: Former professional German footballer.
• Emmy Herding: Danish professional esports player who is known for playing League of Legends.
• Tyler Herding: American race car driver who competes in the ARCA Racing Series.
• Dominic Herding: German football midfielder who plays for Borussia Monchengladbach.
• Mary Herding: Canadian Olympic skater who won a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Other surnames

Herdi