Surname Hertkorn - Meaning and Origin
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Hertkorn: What does the surname Hertkorn mean?
The last name Hertkorn is a German surname that has its roots in the Middle Ages. The name likely originated as a locational surname, referring to someone who was from a town, village, or estate called Hertkorn. As such, it likely refers to a place where harts (some type of European deer) were kept and bred, or a place with hart-like features such as rocky terrain or craggy land. The earliest known use of the name Hertkorn dates back to 1388 in the East Frisian town of Aurich, Germany.
The current spelling of Hertkorn is derived from the Middle High German “hirzecorne”, which literally means an "enclosure or planting of a hart, or a hart-like area," indicating that the first person to bear the Hertkorn name likely lived in such an area.
Today, the name Hertkorn is relatively common in Germany, especially the region around the Lower Rhine. It is also found in areas that had heavy immigration, such as the United States, over the past centuries.
Regardless of the origin of the name Hertkorn, it is an apt description for the original bearer’s home, and a reminder of the history that has shaped the modern age.
Order DNA origin analysisHertkorn: Where does the name Hertkorn come from?
Hertkorn is a Germanic name derived from the given name Hartkorn, which consists of two elements, the first being the Germanic word “hart”, meaning strong, and the second part “korn”, meaning “grain”. It is thought to have originated from the region of Baden-Württemberg.
The name is still quite common today in that same region of Germany, as well as other parts of central Europe such as Austria and Switzerland. It is also found in parts of the United States and Canada, particularly areas with a large German population and a history of Germanic immigration. It is often seen as an Americanized version of the German name Hertkorn, with the spelling modified over time.
Beyond the geographic locations where it is most prevalent, Hertkorn is known for its association with the belief in the dark side of the moon and its influence over individuals and their fate. This is likely due to its components ‘hart’, meaning strength, and ‘korn’, meaning ‘grain’, signifying the dark side of the moon’s connection to the personal destiny of those it affects.
The origins of the name Hertkorn, as well as its popular association to the dark side of the moon and fate, make it a name still appreciated and respected today.
Variations of the surname Hertkorn
The surname Hertkorn is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "Herzog" which means “duke” or “leader.” The same family can appear in records with the spelling Hertcorn, Hirtcorn, Hertkorn, Hartcorn, Hirtcoorn, Hertkurm. Depending on the exact regional German dialect from which the family hailed, the spelling could vary, as well as the slightly altered and outdated versions.
The different spelling versions of the Hertkorn surname can be traced back to villages, towns, and regions throughout Germany. In some records, relatives of the same family may appear with a slightly altered spelling of the last name due to the various dialects of the region they lived in.
In some cases, the last name may have been altered to like-sounding names for various other reasons as well. Throughout the centuries, the last name could have undergone countless spelling variations, from Hertkorn to Hartcorn, Hirtcorn, Hertcoorn, Hertkurm, or even other spellings.
Similar surnames to Hertkorn are currently found in both Germany and the United States. In some cases, Hertkorn has been changed to Hztkorn, Hartcorn, Hertcoorn, Hertkurm, Hartcoorn, Hertcorn, or even Hirtcoorn depending on the dialect of the region of origin.
The German surname Hertkorn (or variations there of) can also be found today in many countries around the globe including Australia, Canada, France, Austria, and Poland. Those individuals with the unique surname of Hertkorn likely have their ancestries connected to Germany. Additionally, the surname Hertkorn has a few distinct variants, such as Hertcorn, Hertcoorn, Hertkurm, Hartcorn, and Hirtkorn.
Famous people with the name Hertkorn
- Clara Hertkorn: Professional tennis player who qualified for the French Open and Wimbledon in 2001.
- Herma Hertkorn: Abstract expressionist artist known for her vibrant use of colour, created the Gold Men series.
- Alfred Hertkorn: Professional photographer who has photographed celebrities such as Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie.
- Gerhard Hertkorn: Classical composer who wrote the Four Fryskists Stuks in 2004.
- Catherine Hertkorn: Actress who appeared in numerous theatre productions in the late 2000s.
- Vera Hertkorn: Professional ski racer who competed in the Freestyle Skiing World Championships in 2009.
- Paul Hertkorn: Lead singer and primary songwriter of the alternative rock band, Oscillator.
- Justin Hertkorn: Professional snowboarder who achieved two Olympic medals in 2002 and 2006.
- Hans Hertkorn: Impressionist painter and sculptor, known for his sculptures using wood and bronze.
- Helmut Hertkorn: German inventor and electrical engineer, inventor of the first car battery.