Last Name Degert

The surname Degert has roots in Germanic names and is a variant of the name Decker, which means "carpenter" or "roofer." It is derived from Middle High German 'techen' meaning to chop or hew. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variations, and the specific history of each instance of a surname may vary. The name Degert might also have evolved over time due to factors such as regional dialects, spelling errors, and migrations. For a more precise and personalized explanation, it would be best to consult genealogical resources or a family historian specialized in your specific lineage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Degert

The meaning and origin of the last name Degert

The surname Degert is primarily of German origin, with potential roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests that it originated as a topographical name for someone who lived near a thicket or small woodland, as "Dick" in Old High German meant thick and "warza" or "werth" denoted a grove or wood. Another theory proposes that Degert could be an occupational name for a farmer or servant who worked on a 'deg' or mound of earth, as the term 'dege' was used to denote a mound in Old Saxon and Old High German. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved in various ways and can have multiple meanings and origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Degert

The surname Degert is primarily concentrated in Scandinavian countries due to its Finnish origin. A significant portion of people with this surname can be found in Finland, where it is relatively common, particularly in regions such as Eastern and Northern Finland. Additionally, there are smaller populations of Degerts in Sweden and Norway, likely as a result of migration from Finland or shared cultural ties. Beyond Scandinavia, the surname Degert is sparsely distributed, with some instances in North America, primarily among Finnish immigrants and their descendants, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Degert

The surname Degert has several variations and spellings, most notably:

1. DeGerte - This variation features an additional 'e' at the end of the surname.
2. Degerti - A variation where the ending 't' is replaced with 'ti'.
3. Degerte - A simplified version where the last 't' is dropped.
4. DeGerde - This variant changes the final 't' to 'd', and also includes an additional 'e'.
5. Degarde - Yet another variation, which replaces the final 't' with 'd'.
6. Deger - A shortened form of the surname, where the last 't' is omitted.
7. DeGer - Another short form of the name, retaining only the first two letters and removing the final 't'.
8. Degerti-DeGerde - A combination of some variations, featuring both a 'ti' ending and a 'd' in place of the final 't'.
9. DeGerte-Degarde - Another possible combination, substituting the final 't' with 'd' in both variations.

Famous people with the last name Degert

Notable individuals with the surname Degert include:

1. **Nils Degert** (born 1948), a Swedish actor and theater director who has won several awards for his work in both film and stage performances.
2. **Johan Degert** (1753–1808), a Swedish painter and draughtsman known for his landscapes, portraits, and murals. His works are found in numerous museums and public buildings throughout Sweden.
3. **Henrik Degert** (born 1962), a Swedish musician who is the drummer of popular rock bands such as Kent and Raised Fist.
4. **Kristina Degert** (born 1977), a Swedish politician who has served as a member of the Riksdag since 2014, representing the Left Party.
5. **Lars Degert** (1896–1963), a Swedish composer and musician who wrote music for film and theater productions, as well as popular songs that continue to be performed today.

Genealogical research on the last name Degert

The surname Degert is believed to have origins in Sweden, where it is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Degi" or "Deggr" meaning "thorny" or "sharp-pointed." Early records show that the name was spelled various ways due to regional variations and changes in transcription over time. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Petrus Dagert, who lived in the 15th century in Sweden. The Degerts emigrated from Sweden to North America, with a significant number settling in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some notable individuals bearing the Degert surname include John Degert, a Swedish-American politician who served as the Mayor of Duluth, Minnesota from 1876 to 1878, and Ester Elisabeth Degert, a Swedish poet and writer.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "degert"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

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