Surname Hurst - Meaning and Origin

Hurst Lineage Unearthed: A Personal Insight on iGENEA DNA Testing

Delve into this personal account of a journey through the roots of the Hurst lineage using the iGENEA DNA test. Explore how the test unravels the ties with Celtic, Viking and Roman ancestry, and facilitates a heartwarming connection with the wider Hurst community through its database.

U. Hurst

Hurst: What does the surname Hurst mean?

The surname Hurst is of Anglo-Saxon origin and primarily comes from Old English. It is a topographic name, referring to someone who lived by or was from wooded hills or sandbanks. The word "hurst" in Old English translates to "wood" or "wooded hill." The name could also refer to various places in England that were named "Hurst." It first originated as a topographical surname for individuals who resided in or near a woodland or a sandbank. Later, it may have been used to identify people who migrated from towns named Hurst. Notable people with this surname include American actor William Hurst and English footballer Geoff Hurst. Despite its English origins, the name is now seen across many English-speaking countries.

Hurst: Where does the name Hurst come from?

The last name Hurst is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from a topographical feature, a 'hurst' which is an Old English term for a wooded hill, a grove, or a copse. This likely indicates that the original bearers of the name lived or worked in such areas. It's a locational surname, a type of surname that was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree.

There are several places in England known as 'Hurst', and during the Middle Ages, as families moved from place to place, they often adopted their placename as a surname. Today, the surname Hurst is most common in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It is strongly associated with English-speaking countries and can be found in relatively large numbers in England, especially in the counties of Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

Variations of the surname Hurst

The surname Hurst is of ancient Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hyrst," meaning "wooded hill," and it was originally given to someone who lived near such a geographical feature or perhaps a wooded area or a grove. The surname has evolved and branched into different variants and spellings over time.

Here are some variants, alternate spellings and similar surnames:

Variants and alternate spellings: Hurste, Hirst, Herst, Heirst, Hearst, Horsed, Harse, Herse, Harsey, Hirste, Heurst, Hyrst, and Hurstt.

Anglicised forms are Hearst, Hirst, and Hurst.

Surnames derived from the same root or of the same origin could include Hurston, Hurstfield, Hurstwood, Hirstman, Horsedale, Hearstport and so on.

Also, there may be regional versions from countries outside England like Hurst in German, Horst in Dutch and Hrust in Russian, though they may not necessarily share the same etymology. It's important to note that while these names may look and sound similar, the meanings can vary based on cultural and linguistic differences. Therefore, further genealogical research is often necessary to assert familial connections.

Famous people with the name Hurst

• Eric Hurst: Actor/Voice Actor
• Les Baxter: Composer and Contemporary Easy Listening Pioneer
• Shirley Hurst: Gospel and Soul Singer
• Larry Hurst: American Artist and Sculptor
• Alison Hurst: British Actress
• Michael Hurst: New Zealand Actor, Director, and Producer
• Barry Hurst: English Footballer
• Ernie Hurst: American Jazz Guitarist and Composer
• Les Hurst: Former Winner of the British Formula 3 Championship
• Julian Hurst: British Award-Winning Playwright
• Liz Hurley: English Actress and Model
• Jim Hurst: American Acoustic Guitarist
• Jodie Hurst: British Olympic Dressage Rider
• Sid Hurst: American Journalist and Author
• Desmond Hurst: English Screenwriter and Playwright
• Dee Hurst: Canadian Defender Soccer Player
• Levi Hurst: UK Drummer, Music Producer, and Remixer
• Tiffany Hurst: Canadian Singer-songwriter
• Brett Hurst: American Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
• Ann Hurst: English Painter and Teacher

Other surnames

HurseyHürster