Surname Hertje - Meaning and Origin
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Hertje: What does the surname Hertje mean?
The last name Hertje is of Dutch origin and its literal translation can be understood to mean ‘little deer’. This is likely due to its roots as a nickname or pet name for someone with qualities or characteristic features associated with a deer, such as being gentle, graceful, timid, or shy.
The spelling of the name can also be found with variations such as Hertje, Hertjie, Hurtje, or Hertgje. It is not a particularly common last name, as it is estimated that there are only about 1,700 bearers of the name living in the Netherlands in the present day.
The name is derived from the Old Dutch words “hert” and “je”. The first part, “hert”, is a reference to a deer and the second part, “je”, is a suffix that is used as a form of affection. Used together, they form a term of endearment - in this case, one that can be interpreted to mean “dear little deer”.
The Hertje name also carries a strong military connotation, as it was originally used to denote an unconventional, but formidable soldier - a brave lightweight who was particularly dexterous and quick on the battlefield. This characteristic is believed to be linked to the origins of the name, and could be one of the reasons why it still carries the same strong meaning today.
Order DNA origin analysisHertje: Where does the name Hertje come from?
The last name Hertje is more commonly found in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany today. It is an old Dutch surname, found as early as the 13th century. The name likely originated from the old Dutch word "hiert" (or "herte"), meaning deer. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it originates from a geographical location where its initial bearer once lived or held land.
In the Netherlands and Belgium today, the last name Hertje is most common in the mid-eastern and southern-eastern parts of the country. In Germany, the surname is mostly found in North Rhine-Westphalia and the eastern German states.
In the United States, the last name Hertje is not evenly distributed. It is primarily found in the midwest region of the country, primarily concentrated in Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. It is likely a reflection of the Dutch immigrants who came to the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Canada, the same pattern is found; most people with the last name Hertje are found in the midwest provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.
Given the geographic distribution of the surname today, it is likely an old Dutch family name that has been passed down through generations.
Variations of the surname Hertje
Hertje is a surname of Dutch origin derived from a shortened version of the Germanic personal name 'Hideric', of which 'Hert' is a common version. Alternate spellings for Hertje include Hert, Hurte, Hurty, Hertye, Hertee, Harte, Hartey, Hartte, Hartty, and Herthey.
Variants of the Hertje surname include Hertz, Hertzz, Herte, Herttz, Herttze, Hertk, Hertzke, Hertka, Hurts, Herts, and Hirtz. These variants are used primarily in German-speaking countries and the United States, while some other forms of the name (including Hertga, Hertsey, and Hirtzey) are used in France and the United States.
Additionally, some surnames which are similar in sound to Hertje include Hurtt, Hirtz, Hurtte, Hartz, Hartzke, Henrt, and Hertzsch. These surnames likely derive from other root names with less overlap with Hertje, such as the English surname Hartt, the Germanic surnames Hertz and Hirtz, and the French surnames Hart and Héritier,
Overall, Hertje is a versatile surname with many variants, alternate spellings, and similar surnames. It is most commonly used in Dutch-speaking countries, and is also used in German and French-speaking countries, as well as the United States.
Famous people with the name Hertje
- Guido Hertje: German politician and former member of the Bundestag.
- Volker Hertje: German bassist and composer.
- Loreley Hertje: Dutch writer and painter.
- Lisa Hertje: German sculptor and illustrator.
- Hermann Hertje: architect and designer.
- Dolf Hertje: Dutch speedskater who competed in the 1960 Winter Olympics.
- Matti Hertje: Finish actress and singer.
- Guido Hertje Jr.: German musician and record producer.
- Alfred Hertje: German theologian and philosopher.
- Ian Hertje: British-American actor, screenwriter, director, and film producer.
- Clara Hertje: German sculptor.
- Alwin Hertje: philosopher and theologian.
- Marion Hertje: German actress and choreographer.
- Lukas Hertje: German painter and sculptor.
- Heinz-Otto Hertje: German attorney and politician.
- Gertrud Hertje: German decorator and production designer.
- Christoph Hertje: German-American opera singer.
- Antje Hertje: German filmmaker and producer.
- Andreas Hertje: German actor and author.
- Gerhard Hertje: German psychologist and psychotherapist.