Surname Wildhirt - Meaning and Origin

Wildhirt: What does the surname Wildhirt mean?

The surname Wildhirt is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word 'wilthirt', meaning 'determined protector.' The initial bearer of this name may have been an individual who was an exceptionally capable protector, demonstrating great strength of character and an unwavering commitment to whatever cause they believed in.

The term 'Wilt' indicates the individual's stubbornness and capability while 'hirt' derives from the German verb 'heerden', meaning 'to take charge'. As a result, Wildhirt literally translates to 'powerful guardian', alluding to the kind of man the surname originally described.

The Wildhirt name is still found in many countries, primarily in central and northern Europe, where it has been in use for hundreds of years. It is believed to have its roots in Bavaria and Franconia, where the people prided themselves on taking care of their own.

The Wildhirt name has often been linked with prosperity and protection, as its original bearer would have been a strong and capable leader. In modern times, individuals with the Wildhirt surname are likely to be strong and dedicated individuals, striving for excellence in whatever field they pursue. They are likely to be resilient and reliable, possessing the strength and determination needed to tackle any challenge they may face.

Wildhirt: Where does the name Wildhirt come from?

The last name Wildhirt is most common in Germany, particularly in the state of Bavaria. It is also found in small numbers in Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. The earliest record of the name dates back to 1619, when a Johannes Wildhrut was mentioned in a document from Nuremberg.

Wildhirt is derived from a German occupational surname, though its meaning has been lost. It is thought that the name probably originates from a person who was a wild hunter or poacher of game. Given the prevalence of hunting in Germany at the time, this seems likely.

In modern Germany, Wildhirt is still a common surname. This is especially true in the area in and around Nuremberg, which seems to be the ancestral home of the Wildhirt family. The United States also has a small population of people with the Wildhirt name, most notably around Cincinnati, Ohio and New York City.

Despite its origin and history, the Wildhirt name is most closely associated with Bavaria. It is quite common, though far from the most common last name in the region. Nevertheless, it is still part of the Bavarian tradition and continues to be sported proudly by many families today.

Variations of the surname Wildhirt

The surname Wildhirt is of German origin and can be spelled several different ways, including Wildhert, Wilthert, Wilhert, Wilderdt, and Wildert. All of these spellings are derived from the German pronunciation of Wildhirt, which suggests the original bearer was a "wild hare" or so-called hunter of hares.

Variants of Wildhirt include Wildheart, Wildhirte, Wilthart, Wilt, Wildt, Wildhorst, Wildthorst, Wiltorst, Willt, Willte, Willerg, Wilkerg, Willders, Wilters, and Wilts.

The German surname Wildherr is also related to Wildhirt and can be written as Willher, Willharr, Wildherr, Wilherr, Willihirte, and Wilhehr. This surname is based on the Old German name of "wild herr" and means a wild warrior or nobleman.

Other surnames related to Wildhirt include Willer, Willen, Willner, Willert, Willems, Wills, Willhite, Wilkin, Willken, and Wilker. These surnames are derived from a variety of old German names, and they refer to hunters or warriors.

The Czech spelling for Wildhirt is Vildko and the Ukrainian spelling is Vildukh.

Finally, Wilk, Willk, and Wilck are also related to the Wildhirt surname but are of Slavic origin, with the root meaning of “battlefield” or “outsider”.

Famous people with the name Wildhirt

• Ben Wildhirt: Ben Wildhirt is a film producer and soccer player from California. He is best known for his work on the soccer documentary series I Believe (2015) and the feature film The Outpost (2018).
• Kirk Wildhirt: Kirk Wildhirt is an art director and photographer from Montana. His photographs have been featured in National Geographic, Time, The New York Times, and other publications. He's won multiple awards for his work, including five International Photographer of the Year Awards.
• Annie Wildhirt: Annie Wildhirt is a costume designer who has worked on several Emmy Award-winning television shows. Her work has been seen in HBO's The Sopranos, Showtime's Homeland, ABC's Scandal, and Netflix's Orange is the New Black.
• Terry Wildhirt: Terry Wildhirt is a documentary filmmaker who has won numerous awards for his work. His films focus on social justice, the environment, and LGBTQ issues. His films include The Peaceful Revolution (2009), I am an Immigrant (2012), and We Survive Hate (2017).
• John Wildhirt: John Wildhirt is an actor and producer from Oregon. He has appeared in the TV series Grimm and Portlandia, as well as films like The Creek (2014) and the drama A Stranger in Our Home (2017).
• William Wildhirt: William Wildhirt is a jazz musician from New York City. He has played in clubs throughout the city, as well as the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Montreal International Jazz Festival. He is best known for his albums Remembrance (2017) and Tip Toe (2018).

Other surnames

Wildhirth