Surname Jirsa - Meaning and Origin

Jirsa: What does the surname Jirsa mean?

The surname Jirsa is derived from a Czech and Slovak surname, which is thought to have derived from the Czech word ‘jír’ or ‘jírst’, meaning ‘a low-quality wine’. Alternatively, it may be derived from the Czech nickname ‘jírsa’ (‘youthful’) or from the town of Jírsí in Moravia.

The surname Jirsa is most frequently found in Slovenia, Czech Republic and Slovakia. Today, Jirsa is a common surname. According to genealogical research, Jirsa families are believed to have emerged in the 15th century (including locations such as Prague, Hungary, and Slovakia). The name was likely originally used as a nickname for someone who made or sold low-quality wine.

Other meanings may be attached to the name, as there is some dispute over its etymology. In German-speaking countries, the surname was historically spelled ‘Giersa’, and associated with the word ‘Gier’, meaning ‘avarice’ or ‘greed’.

In any case, it seems likely that the family name refers to some past connection to viticulture and winemaking. People bearing the surname Jirsa can be proud to carry such a rich historical background.

Jirsa: Where does the name Jirsa come from?

The last name Jirsa is common in various countries worldwide, but it is especially popular in the Czech Republic. As of 2020, the surname Jirsa is ranked as the 183rd most common last name in the Czech Republic, making it one of the most common last names in the country. It is also fairly common in Slovakia, where it was the 77th most common last name in 2018.

Outside of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the name is most commonly seen in Germany, particularly in the states of Bavaria and Thuringia. In Germany, it was the 5,972nd most common last name in 2019. This popularity is likely due to the large number of German immigrants who moved to the Czech Republic in the past centuries. Beyond this, the name is also seen in Hungary, Poland, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Overall, the last name Jirsa is most popular in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is also relatively common in Germany, Hungary, Poland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Overall, this common name is found throughout Europe and beyond, which speaks to its considerable popularity in the region.

Variations of the surname Jirsa

The surname Jirsa is derived from the Czech language and has a range of variants and spellings. The most common name variants are Jirsa and Jirsák. Although these are the most common variations, variations based on dialectal influences can be seen as far away as Austria and Germany, where the surnames Jerscha, Jerschitsch, and Jierisch are found.

In Slovakia, more frequent variants of the surname Jirsa incorporate additional letters, such as Jirschek, Jiršail and Jiršák.

In the United States, the most commonly found surname derivatives include Jirsa, Gerse, Georse, Jerse, Gurse, and Jerce. Variants based on spelling and regional dialects are seen in other parts of the English-speaking world such as Canada (Gerse), South Africa (Georse) and Australia (Gurse).

Variants of this surname are also found in other languages, including in Hungary (Jirscsák), Latvia (Giršs), Lithuania (Jirsasas), and Poland (Girsz).

Even though these names may appear to be significantly different, they all share a common origin. The spelling variations and surnames illustrate the large socio-cultural diversity found within the former Czechoslovakia and surrounding areas.

Famous people with the name Jirsa

• Francis Jirsa, professional wrestler and performer
• Tamara Jirsa, actress and model
• Jan T. Jirsa, Czech classical conductor
• Steven P. Jirsa, physician and neuroscientist
• Pavel Jirsa, Czech classical pianist
• Anne Jirsa, award-winning photographer
• Thomas Jirsa, scientist and professor
• Zdenko Jirsa, Czech engraver
• Jan A. Jirsa, Czech opera singer
• Erich E. Jirsa, US Air Force Officer
• Gustave Jirsa, Swiss geologist
• Peter Jirsa, professional basketball coach
• Bernard Jirsa, Czech author
• Jaroslav Jirsa, Czech football player
• Carl R. Jirsa, professor and specialist in language education and assessment
• Karel Jirsa, Czech professional hockey player
• Vincenc Jirsa, Czech law professor
• Charles M. Jirsa, US Congressional representative
• Isabelle Jirsa, anthropologist and professor
• Corina Jirsa, Swiss author and environmentalist

Other surnames

JirsackJirsakJirschik