Surname Terwordt - Meaning and Origin

Terwordt: What does the surname Terwordt mean?

The last name Terwordt is a Dutch name, which originates from the town of Terwolde in the Netherlands. The name's meaning is derived from the Old Dutch words meaning “dwellers of the settlement,” which references the area in which this family lived.

This last name appears to have originated in the province of Gelderland, which is one of the 12 provinces that make up the Netherlands and is mostly located along the Rhine river. The area was originally colonized in the 11th century by the Frisians who operated small farms and their industry was mainly focused on weaving, with the women principally involved in this activity.

This last name also appears to have regional variations in some Dutch dialects, which are alternatively spelled "Terworte," “Terwort”, and "Terwurf." The name could also potentially alternate spellings throughout the Netherlands and other parts of the world due to phonological variations.

This last name may have been in the Netherlands for centuries and has remained present throughout the country's history. It speaks to the region's identity and the people's connection to the land and how families are tied to place and the passage of time. It also symbolizes theor Dutch pride and the lasting roots of the families in the changing environment of time.

Terwordt: Where does the name Terwordt come from?

The surname Terwordt is an uncommon Dutch surname that originated in the Netherlands. It is most common in the northeastern provinces, especially in Zeeland and North Brabant. In particular, it is the most common surname in Jutphaas, a town in Utrecht Province and a municipality in North Holland.

The name is thought to have been derived from the German ‘der Voerde’, which translates to ‘the wood’. This suggests a connection to the forestry industry, which was prevalent in the Netherlands until the 20th century. As forest work was mainly seasonal, this employment connection could also be attributed to the surname’s rarity.

Today, the name Terwordt is still relatively rare in the Netherlands, but there are a few individuals with the name in other countries. For example, in Australia, the name can be found as far back as the 1940s. It is also present in the United States, especially in the states of California and Minnesota.

Given its rarity and its origin in the Netherlands, it is likely that those with the name Terwordt would have strong ties to Dutch heritage, culture, and history. It could be seen as a unifying factor, regardless of where individuals with the name may be located.

Variations of the surname Terwordt

The surname Terwordt is a Dutch name that predates the 16th century. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:

Tervoort

Tervort

Terwass

Terwörd

Terworm

Terwarth

Terwort

Terwert

Terward

Terwart

Terwardt

Terwolf

Merwordt

Merward

Merwert

Mervoordt

Mervoorts

Tervert

Tervelt

Terveld

Terveldt

Tervörd

Tervoord

Tervoorst

Tervoorts

Trahrd

Harward

Harwerf

Harverf

Hervort

Hervert

The last name Terwordt is derived from the Dutch word "Ter" which means "through," along with "wort" meaning "upon" or "towards." Its current spelling dates to the 17th century. It is believed to have come from the Northern provinces of the Netherlands.

Subflavanst of the surname Terwordt include Tervort, Terwort and Terward. These subflavaris are linked to the region of the Netherlands in which the first person with the surname originated. Tervort and Terwort could be interpreted to mean both "from the forest" or "a person from the town of Terwort." Terward, too, could refer to a person from the same town.

The names Terworm, Terwolf, and Merwordt can be traced back to areas of Wölteringen, Germany. Merwordt is derived from the word mer, meaning "water" or "marshy ground".

Other derivates of the surname Terwordt can be found across Europe, such as in France, Belgium, Germany, and Italy. These spellings are variously represented as Terverf, Tervelt, Tervert, Terveld, Harverf, Hervert, Herverf, Harward, and Harwerf.

The surname has spread to other parts of the world, such as the United States. In America, the surname Terwordt has been changed to a more Anglicized version - Terwatt, Terawat, Terwinner, Terweb, or Terwerb.

Famous people with the name Terwordt

• Gert Terwordt: Dutch soccer player who last played for the Dutch Erste Divisie team FC Dordrecht.
• Frans Terwordt: Retired Dutch Footballer who last played for the Dutch Topklasse side vv Dongen.
• Michiel Terwordt: Dutch engineer and professor of Dynamics and Control at the University of Twente.
• Dolf Terwordt: Dutch graphic designer and illustrator.
• Henk Terwordt: Dutch cyclist who won the gold medal in the 4,000 meter individual pursuit at the 1951 European Track Championships.
• Willem Terwordt: Dutch soccer player who last played for the Netherland Football Club, De Graafschap.
• Adriaan Terwordt: Dutch director, writer and actor, best known for the films Judas (2007) and The Most Assassinated Woman In The World (2018).
• Gerrit Terwordt: Dutch painter and sculptor.
• Thomas Terwordt: Dutch architect and urban planner.
• Gerd Terwordt: Dutch fashion designer, active with the company Prada since 1991.

Other surnames

TerwortTerworth