Surname Hirtlein - Meaning and Origin

Hirtlein: What does the surname Hirtlein mean?

The last name Hirtlein is of German origin. It is thought to be derived from the Middle High German word "Hirod," meaning "hard," "hardy," or "strong." As such, the surname is likely an occupational name, referring to a worker who is strong and hardy.

Hirtlein may also be a combination of the words "hird," meaning "council," or "herred" meaning "army" and "lein," meaning "one," "little," or "small," hence, Councilman or Little Soldier. Alternatively, it could be interpreted as "little herder" or "shepherd."

The Hirtleins have a long and varied history. It is believed they were among the original inhabitants of Bavaria, settling there as early as the 10th century. During the Middle Ages, members of the Hirtlein family were prominent in local government and social affairs, and some family members gained notoriety as warriors and musicians.

The Hirtlein family today is still found mainly in Germany, but is also scattered throughout Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. Today, this surname carries with it the legacy of strong work ethic and courage embodied by its ancestors.

Hirtlein: Where does the name Hirtlein come from?

Today, the last name Hirtlein is most commonly found in the United States and Germany. In the United States, the states with the highest concentration of the last name are Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio. According to the US Census, 634 American citizens bear the last name Hirtlein.

In Germany, the last name Hirtlein is most prevalent in Bavaria, the country’s southernmost state. It was likely adopted by the Matteukes family from Bavaria in the early 1600s and is one of the oldest surnames in the region. According to German records, 225 Germans bear the last name Hirtlein as of 2020.

Hirtlein is an uncommon name for both countries and it’s unclear how the occupational surname transferred across continents. It is a combination of the German words ‘hirt’ and ‘lein’, which translates to ‘rich’ and ‘little’— likely a reference to a once small, but prosperous family in early European history.

Today, Hirtlein is still a rare surname worldwide, with only 859 known bearers. That said, it is most widely found in the United States and Germany, suggesting a familial opportunity to explore lineage and discover more about one’s heritage.

Variations of the surname Hirtlein

The surname Hirtlein, also spelled Hörtlein or Huerlein, is a German name of unknown origin. While the root of the name is uncertain, it is believed to have derived from Middle High German. The namesake may have referred to a gamekeeper or game warden, an occupation that was popular among many families in the Middle Ages.

The variants of Hirtlein include Hurtlein, Hurtelein, Hyrtlein, Hirtekle, Hyrtlin and Hertelein. It is also occasionally spelled with the Scandinavian o-umlaut such as Hörtlin or Hertlin.

Surnames associated with Hirtlein are Hurtebreth, Hurtebake, Hirtbreth, Hertbreth, Hertbeken, Hertreach, Hertrech, Schörtlin, Schurtelein, Schöntlein, Hertebrake and Hertebach.

Hirtlein is a fairly uncommon name today, though it can still be found in Germany (especially the southern regions). The name is not common in the United States, though it can be found mostly in areas with a high German population such as Illinois and Pennsylvania.

Famous people with the name Hirtlein

• Christopher Hirtlein: A German-born American artist based in Brooklyn, New York. He works in a wide range of media, including printmaking, painting, drawing, and sculpture.
• Bernd Hirtlein: A German football coach, who most recently served as the head coach of FC Ingolstadt 04.
• Dora Hirtlein: An Austrian film and television actress best known for roles in television drama series such as Der Tellerrand (The Plateau, 1995-1999) and the Austrian-German film Die Spielerin (The Player, 2001).
• Markus Hirtlein: An Austrian retired footballer who played as defender. He is currently the assistant coach of his home-town club LASK Linz.
• Helen Hirtlein: An American businesswoman and philanthropist who is the co-founder and managing partner of Black Wolf Capital Group, LLC, a private equity firm based in Newport Beach, California.
• John Hirtlein: A Swiss born-American rower who competed in the men's coxless four event at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
• Paul Hirtlein: A German football coach and a former player.
• Gregor Hirtlein: A German footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for 1. FC Union Berlin.

Other surnames

Hirtle