Surname Herth - Meaning and Origin
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Herth: What does the surname Herth mean?
The last name Herth is an occupational name of German origin. It was used to refer to someone who was employed as a herdsman or who belonged to a family of semi-nomadic cattle herders. The word ‘herth’ itself is derived from the German word ‘hertic’, which is a variation of ‘herta’, or ‘herd’. Originally, the name Herth would likely have been used to refer to someone in charge of the care and management of a herd of cows, goats, sheep, or horses. It was an important job, as these groups of animals were the main source of food, clothes, and transportation in centuries past.
In more recent times, the last name Herth has come to be associated with a number of other occupations and activities, such as animal husbandry, animal rights, the butcher trade, and the poultry trade. Herth is also a popular name for people who have worked on farms and in agricultural business, a common occupation amongst German immigrants of many centuries past. Additionally, Herth can be a variation of the more traditional German names, such as Herzog or Hertzog, or even a variation of the name Hertha, a female first name born of Germanic and Nordic origins.
Order DNA origin analysisHerth: Where does the name Herth come from?
The surname Herth is most commonly found in areas of Germany, such as Bavaria, Hesse, and Thuringia. This is because the Herth family originates from the Franconian region in Bavaria, where this family name has been in documented since the 15th century.
Herth is also a fairly common name in Switzerland, Austria, and parts of Central Europe. In the United States, the surname is especially common among Germanic families who settled in the mid-Atlantic region during the late 19th century, particularly Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. There are also concentrations of this surname in Florida, California, and Iowa.
Herth is the most common spelling of the name. Other variations of the surname include Herrth, Hierath, Hierstein, Hirth, Hearth, Hearn, and Hearron. Many members of Herth families have changed their name spelling in order to make it easier for them to be identified in the United States, particularly during census records.
Today, Herth is a common surname throughout the world. While it has its origins in Germany, it is no longer confined to that region. Those with the Herth surname can be found in many regions in the United States and in other countries too, particularly those with a strong Germanic heritage.
Variations of the surname Herth
Herth is a common surname of German, English, and Jewish origin, most common in Central and Eastern Europe. Variations of this surname include:
Hert, Hertz, Hertel, Hertlein, Hertell, Hertellen, Herteller, Herter, Hertler, Hertrich, and Herweg.
In Germany, the surname is derived from the German word ‘Hertz’, meaning ‘hart’ or ‘strong,’ and from the Old German word ‘Herth’, meaning ‘fortified town’ or ‘protected enclosure.’ These two words together form the German compound ‘Hertzberg,’ meaning ‘strong mountain.’
In England, the surname traces back to the Old English words ‘heorth,’ meaning ‘peace,’ and ‘heo,’ meaning ‘high’ or ‘great.’ The surname may therefore have originally indicated the family’s connection to a high status family.
In Jewish contexts, the surname is likely a reduced form of the Jewish surname ‘Hertzog,’ which is derived from the Old German word ‘Herzog,’ meaning ‘duke’ or ‘prince.’
Another spelling of the surname is Hart. This spelling is likely to have origins in Scandinavia, which borrowed the Old High German word ‘hartz’, meaning ‘heart’ or ‘courage’, and combined it with the Old Norse word ‘Hertha’, which meant ‘protecting.’ It is likely that people with this spelling of the name were associated with a person of great courage and protection.
Overall, the surname Herth is a common surname in Europe, laid-back, and with several variations. All these surnames likely have their origins in two or more different languages, indicating a long and complex family history of intermarriage and changing cultural contexts.
Famous people with the name Herth
- Franz Beckenbauer: Retired professional German footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
- James Herth: American architect based in Seattle, Washington, established his firm “James Herth Architecture” in 1984.
- Bernhard Herth: German composer, pianist and music teacher, founder of the department of practical music at the Berlin Conservatory.
- Amanda Herth: American tennis player, known for the multiple doubles titles she won at the ITF (International Tennis Federation) tournaments.
- Paul Herth: German engineer and physicist who taught at the Technical University of Berlin in the late 19th century.
- Thomas Herth: German neurologist and author of several books on his specialty.
- Erich Herth: German composer, best known as one of the earliest proponents of Neoclassicism in music.
- Annemarie Herth: German actress and dubbing artist active in the 1950s.
- Hans-Ulrich Herth: German diplomat who held diplomatic positions in West Germany, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and France.
- Jürgen Herth: German painter and illustrator known for his Expressionist style works.