Surname Hörth - Meaning and Origin
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Hörth: What does the surname Hörth mean?
The surname Hörth is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word “hôrize” which means “hearth”. As such, this surname likely originated from an individual or family that tended the hearth, which is the area in a home where a fire is lit and kept alive, such as for heating or cooking. This term was therefore likely applied to individuals that tended or worked around the fires in their homes or places of business, such as a blacksmith or baker.
The use of surnames was introduced to the German language in the 12th century, limited to individuals of noble or upper-class origin. However by the 14th century, surnames became increasingly more common among the lower classes as well. Thus, it is unclear if the use of the surname Hörth began as an indicator of class or simply a unique family name; though it is clear that over the centuries, the surname has been adopted by many families throughout modern Germany.
Today, the name Hörth is still common throughout the country and can be traced back to the late 18th century. Notable people with the name include Christoph, Anton and Wilhelm Hörth (the latter two of which fought in the Franco-Prussian Wars), the 19th century German painter Benedict Hörth, and the 20th century American-Swiss biologist and philanthropist Robert Hörth.
Order DNA origin analysisHörth: Where does the name Hörth come from?
The last name Hörth is most commonly found in Germany today. The name derives from the German noun hörth, meaning “place of refuge.” As such, the name likely originated from a place where people sought refuge centuries ago.
In modern times, Hörth is a popular last name, particularly in the western and southwestern regions of Germany, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria. It is often found in cities and towns in these regions, such as Cologne, Dortmund, Hannover, and Munich. It may also be found in other parts of Germany, such as Berlin, and nearby countries, such as Austria and Switzerland.
In Germany, the name is generally spelled with the umlaut over the “o” (Hörth) but, due to certain orthographic rules, it may also sometimes be found spelled without the umlaut (Horth).
Hörth is an uncommon name worldwide, outside of Germany. In the United States, only a handful of individuals with the name can be found in states such as North Dakota, Alabama, and Pennsylvania.
Variations of the surname Hörth
The surname Hörth has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The surname is primarily spelled as Hörth but it also has several other forms that may be encountered in records. The most common variant forms are Hearth, Hearce, Heart, Hart, Hearse, Hurst and Hörsten. Other variants include Hörstein, Körth, Korte, Korsche and Kursch.
Variants from other languages can also be seen in records. For example, Hörtz and Hörte in German, Hurth in Dutch, Horcé in French, Herce in Spanish, and Hörþ in Old English.
Surnames that are associated with Hörth include Hertz, Harth, Harsch, Hest, Hehr, and Hetzel. These surnames come from places where the Hörth surname was taught and shared in the past, such as local villages and families.
The Hörth surname is also found among members of the nobility. Historic German noble families such as von Hörth, von Hürth, von Hertz, and von Horch have used this surname, often as part of the family's official coat of arms.
Overall, the surname Hörth has a long and varied history, with many associated forms and variations. While these names are all linked by a common origin, each one retains its own distinct identity.
Famous people with the name Hörth
- Konrad Hörth: German ice dancer, competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics and won three German national ice dancing titles
- Jürgen Hörth: German footballer, former striker who played for FC Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and SSV Jahn Regensburg
- Julian Hörth: German prominent YouTuber, known for producing comedic videos on his channel
- Eva Hörth: German historical fashion designer, responsible for creating self-made undergarments
- Thomas Hörth: German architect and urban planner, professor at Technical University of Munich
- Eva-Maria Hörth: Austrian pianist and composer, held masterclasses at the Marienbad Conservatory
- Uwe Hörth: German entrepreneur and co-founder of the Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, a banknote printing and payment systems company
- Robert Hörth: German contemporary painter, showcased his work in various cities
- Johann Hörth: Austrian painter and graphic designer, most known for his 1973 album cover design of “The Babooshka” by Kate Bush
- Ingeborg Hörth: Austrian painter, primarily known for her abstract works and oil paintings.