Last Name Ebert

The surname Ebert is of German origin. It is derived from the medieval given name "Eberhard," which means "brave as a wild boar" in German. The surname was likely formed as a nickname for someone who was believed to have physical characteristics resembling that of a wild boar, or it could have been occupational for someone who raised or hunted wild boars. The name has been recorded in Germany since the Middle Ages and is still commonly found there today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ebert

The meaning and origin of the last name Ebert

The surname Ebert is of German origin, derived from a personal name composed of the elements 'Eber,' meaning wild boar in German, and '-hard,' which means hardy or brave. This surname was originally a nickname for a strong or fierce person compared to a wild boar. The use of surnames became more common during the Middle Ages as an aid in identifying individuals, especially those with the same given name living in the same area. The Ebert family, particularly noted for their political and intellectual contributions, includes philosopher Karl Jaspers and Chancellor of West Germany, Helmut Schmidt, both of whom bear this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ebert

The surname Ebert is predominantly found in Germany and Central Europe, particularly in areas such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony. It originates from the Middle High German word "Eber" meaning wild boar. Historically, the name was common among farmers and rural dwellers associated with animal husbandry. The migration of German settlers to other parts of the world, particularly North America and Australia, led to a dispersal of the Ebert surname in those regions as well. In the United States, the highest concentrations are found in states like Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In Australia, it is most prevalent in New South Wales and Victoria. However, the distribution can be found globally due to migration patterns over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ebert

The surname Ebert has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in translation and transcription over time. Here are some common variants:

1. Eberth - A variation where the 't' replaces the 'd' at the end.
2. Eberts - The plural form of Ebert.
3. Eabert, Eebert, Yabert, Yebart, and Iebert are less common variations that may result from phonetic or orthographic changes.
4. Aebischer is a Swiss German surname derived from the same root as Ebert, but with a different ending.
5. There are also regional variants, such as Eibert in the Netherlands and Ebart in France.
6. The feminine form of Ebert is not commonly found; however, one variation might be Ebertson (a combination of Ebert and the female suffix -son).

Famous people with the last name Ebert

Roger Ebert, an influential American film critic and journalist, is one of the most well-known individuals with the surname Ebert. He was born in Urbana, Illinois, in 1942 and died in 2013. Ebert was a regular columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death, and he gained national recognition for his film reviews on television with Gene Siskel. He won multiple awards throughout his career, including a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Board of Review. Another notable figure named Ebert is Bill Ebert, an American professional soccer player who played for clubs like D.C. United and the U.S. national team during the 1990s.

Genealogical research on the last name Ebert

The surname Ebert originated from Germany and is believed to have derived from various locations named Ebertshausen, Ebertsheim, or Ebersberg, found in several regions such as Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bavaria. The name, which means "wild boar's home" in German, has been traced back to the Middle Ages. Notable figures bearing this surname include Kurt Ebert, a German politician who served as the President of the Bundestag; and Fritz Ebert, the first President of Germany's Weimar Republic. In the United States, the name Ebert is most concentrated in states such as Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Missouri, with many immigrants arriving during the 19th century. Variations of the surname include Eberte, Ebbert, and Ebbers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ebert"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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