Surname Höroldt - Meaning and Origin

Höroldt: What does the surname Höroldt mean?

The surname Höroldt (sometimes spelled Hörlödt or Hörlet) is of German origin, most likely derived from the personal name "Hörold" or "Hörlöd". It is believed to have come from the ancient Germanic word "hari" which translates to "army". This would suggest that the name originally indicated a person who was associated with or belonged to an army or a soldier of some kind.

The earliest record of the surname is found in 1300s Austrian records where it is noted as Höroldtum and a knight in Lower Austria who bore the name of Höroldtum was involved in local political affairs.

The name is exceptionally rare and is found mainly in Sweden, with records detailing a farm of the name in the early 1800s. In the late 1800s, it is recorded as the surname of a Swedish emigrant family to the U.S., settling in Minnesota and Iowa.

There are other records of the name in Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Norway. It is thought to have been borne by a German or Danish noble family first and has since been adopted by other families in the different countries.

In Sweden, the name 'Höroldt' is mainly associated with artisans and craftsmen, which connect it to its original warrior root. It is also found in the historical context of the Danish-Swedish wars of 1658-1660, where it possibly indicated participation in the war by soldiers from either side.

Overall, the name Höroldt is a unique and rare surname with an interesting history that dates back to the middle ages. It has held a variety of meanings but in the end it has come to represent a sense of pride in folks who bear it.

Höroldt: Where does the name Höroldt come from?

The last name Höroldt is believed to have originated from Germany, particularly in the south of the country. Since then, it has spread across different countries in Europe, included Austria, Denmark, France, and the Netherlands, and further the USA and Canada.

Today, the last name is still relatively common in Germany, although it has somewhat decreased in popularity in the last century. In particular, the Lower Saxony region is home to a number of Höroldt families. Unsurprisingly, many of those who still bear the last name today are distant descendants of the original family.

The last name Höroldt can also be found to a lesser extent in Austria and the Netherlands. It is not as popular in these countries as it is in Germany, however, so it is reportedly quite a rare occurrence to come across someone with this last name in either of them.

In the USA, the last name Höroldt is relatively rare. It is more common in Canada, although not as common as it is in Germany. There are still a fair number of people in both countries who have the name, but there are no regions or towns with a powerful Höroldt presence.

To sum up, the last name Höroldt is still widely seen today, although typically in a less common form than it once was. It is most popular in Germany, and to a lesser extent in Austria, the Netherlands, the USA, and Canada.

Variations of the surname Höroldt

The surname Höroldt is of German origin and has multiple spellings and surnames of the same roots.

Alternative spellings of Höroldt include Heroldt, Herold, örHold, Hörhold, Hörold, Herrold, and Heroedt. Variants of the surname might include Herolt and Harerlt.

Surnames of the same origin as Höroldt include Harrold, Herald, heraldt, Harald, and Harold. These surnames are sometimes anglicized versions of the German surname Höroldt.

The surname Höroldt, Herrold, and Harold is derived from the old Germanic personal names "Harhalþ" and "Herihold," which are composed of the elements "harja" meaning “army” and “wald” meaning “rule.” This reflects the fact that during the early medieval period, the head of a household was often a warrior who had taken part in battle.

In the United States, the surname may also be found spelled as Herold, Harrold, or Haroldt. In England, the variations may include Herle, Herol, Harles, Harrells, or Herrle.

Ultimately, these different spellings and surnames are all derived from the old Germanic personal names, which were likely bestowed upon the first bearer of the name to honor his heroism and military prowess.

Famous people with the name Höroldt

• Carl Gustaf Höroldt (1696–1750): Swedish sculptor and furniture producer
• Gert Höroldt (1938–2007): German composer
• Wilhelm Höroldt (1759–1817): German glass painter
• Magnus Höroldt (1695–1772): Swedish painter and pastor
• Hans Adam Höroldt (1800–1873): German painter
• Jacques Höroldt (1759–1817): German furniture maker
• Wilhelm Theodor Höroldt (1742–1791): German printmaker
• Anna Maria Höroldt (1717–1783): German engraver
• Arthur Höroldt (1877–1948): German banker
• Max Höroldt (1790–1860): German painter and engraver

Other surnames

Hörold