Surname Schwikart - Meaning and Origin

Schwikart: What does the surname Schwikart mean?

The last name Schwikart is an uncommon and originally German surname with roots dating back centuries. It likely derives from the Old High German words "Schwiker," meaning "to be alert and watchful," and the endings "hart" meaning "emotionally strong." It likely referred to an ancestor who was perceptive and had a strong will and determination.

The name Schwikart likely first appeared in Emmental, a Swiss canton, around the 13th century. A few records have been found of the Schwikarts living in the Emmental valley and nearby. During the 16th century, the Schwikarts migrated to other parts of Switzerland and Germany.

Toward the end of the 19th century, some of the Schwikarts of Europe emigrated to the United States. These Schwikarts settled mostly in midwestern states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. Today, the Schwikarts of the United States are widely scattered and can be found in nearly every state.

Schwikarts are known to be creative, analytical, and independent. They are usually level-headed and have a good sense of justice and fair play. They are outgoing yet reserved and usually prefer the comfort of their own home. Overall, the name Schwikart stands for hard work, dedication, and drive.

Schwikart: Where does the name Schwikart come from?

The last name Schwikart is primarily found in the United States today. It is thought to be of German origin, with some alternate spellings being Schweikardt, Schwickard, Schwickerath, and Swickard. It is one of the more common German surnames, and is found in American records dating back to the late 1800s.

Schwikart is especially common in the Midwest, although it can also be found in the East Coast, West Coast, and throughout the South. In terms of states, Pennsylvania appears to be a hotspot for the Schwikart surname. Other states with many Schwikart residents include Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

In terms of cities, the Schwikart surname is most common in Pittsburgh, PA; Cleveland, OH; St. Louis, MO; Minneapolis, MN; and Milwaukee, WI. Relatively few people with the Schwikart name live outside of these locations.

Today, the Schwikart name is still quite common. However, what is of greater interest in terms of the etymology of the name is that it is extremely rare in Germany. While there are a few isolated occurrences in Germany, the name is almost exclusively found in the United States. This fact lends credence to the idea that the Schwikart surname was not taken from Germany directly, but rather, was adapted from a similar German surname once the family set foot in the United States.

Variations of the surname Schwikart

The surname Schwikart is of German origin and is thought to have derived from Schweicherd or Schweichert, which were used to refer to a wool merchants. Variant spellings and surnames of the same origin for the name Schwikart include Schwicker, Schwickel, Schwicke, Schwieger, Schwiegcrt, Schwigert, Schwebke, and Schweigger.

Schwickert, occasionally seen as Schwiggert, is derived from the German word "schwickern" which means "to twirl" or to move quickly, and often referred to a more agile and nimble person. This form of the surname was most likely adopted by families practicing trades such as that of tilemaking, in which they had to move quickly and deftly to complete the task at hand.

The spelling Schweikert is derived from a Middle High German word "swechert," which means "bush maker." It is thought that this surname was adopted by individuals who lived near or used to make bushy shrubbery to provide shelter for animals.

Schweickerd is a variation of the surname originally found in the region of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. This spelling refers to an individual who was a seller or manufacture of wollen fabrics, yarns, and other materials.

The surname Schwickerd, which can also be found spelled as Schwickerth, is derived from a Middle High German word "schwikern," which means to vibrate, quiver, or "tremble." It is likely that this form of the surname was adopted by a family that had members who practiced trades such as butchering, in which fast movements were important.

Finally, there is the surname Schwigerd which is a variation of Schweickerd, and also refers to someone who worked in the wool industry.

Famous people with the name Schwikart

• Richard Schwikart: author, lecturer and historian.
• Garrett Schwikart: professional American soccer player who plays for MLS club LAFC.
• Pavel Schwikart: Cuban footballer and manager.
• Gordon Schwikart: American professor of finance and economics.
• Louis Schwikart: Swiss painter.
• Jean Schwikart: French landscape painter.
• Michel Schwikart: Swiss artist and sculptor.
• Bernie Schwikart: retired American racing driver.
• Ron Schwikart: former Canadian professional ice hockey player.
• Joseph Schwikert: American hurdler who won several national titles in the mid-1980s.
• Magali Schwikart: French biathlete who competed at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
• Mireille Schwikart: French retired volleyball player, competing in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
• Claus Schwikart: German former handball player.
• Stephan Schwikart: German pianist, conductor, composer and musicologist.
• Wendelin Schwikart: Swiss financial journalist and author.

Other surnames

Schwikardi