The surname Egert has Germanic origins and is derived from the Old High German "agari," meaning "to guard" or "to protect." It may have been originally an occupational name for a watchman or someone who protected a fortress. Alternatively, it could be a nickname for a brave or strong person. The spelling variations of this surname include Eger, Egertz, and Egerts.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Egert
The meaning and origin of the last name Egert
The surname Egert is of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name Egehard, which is composed of the elements "egi," meaning "echo" or "swampy land," and "hard," meaning "brave" or "hardy." Over time, the personal name Egehard evolved into the surname Egert in various German-speaking regions. The surname Egert is particularly common in Germany and neighboring countries with Germanic populations, such as Austria and Switzerland. It is also found among German diaspora communities in other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada. The spelling variations of the name include Eegert, Eegerth, Eegart, etc., which are due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time.
Geographical distribution of the last name Egert
The surname Egert is primarily concentrated in Europe, with significant populations found in Hungary and Slovakia. It is one of the most common surnames in Hungary, particularly in the regions of Komárom-Esztergom, Győr-Moson-Sopron, and Fejér counties, suggesting a historic concentration in Western Hungary. The name is also found in Slovakia, where it ranks among the top 10,000 most common surnames. Smaller groups of individuals with the Egert surname can be found in other European countries such as Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, indicating potential dispersal during historical migrations. Additionally, there are families with the Egert surname in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada, likely due to immigration from Hungary or Slovakia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Egert
The surname Egert can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcribing names across regions and time periods. Some common variants include Eegert, Eegerth, Eegerde, Eegertz, Eegerds, Eigart, Eigarth, Eygart, Eygert, and Egird. Additionally, the name may appear as Aegert, Aegerth, Aegerde, Aegertz, Aegerds, Aigart, Aigarth, Aigyard, or Aygert, depending on regional dialects and historical spelling conventions. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different origins or meanings for the surname, as many were developed through the process of phonetic transcription over time.
Famous people with the last name Egert
Notable individuals with the surname Egert include:
1. Paul Egert (born 1962), an American musician and composer known for his work as a saxophonist, flutist, keyboardist, and producer in jazz music. He has collaborated with artists such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Quincy Jones.
2. Jens Egbert (born 1968), a German television presenter and journalist who hosted shows like "Wetten, dass..?" and "Eurovision Song Contest" on German television. He is also an author and has published several books.
3. Sarah Egger (born 1975), a Swiss actress and singer who gained fame for her role as Elise in the Swiss drama series "Tatort." She has won numerous awards for her acting performances.
4. Michael Egger (born 1980), a Swiss tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 76 in the world and represented Switzerland at the Davis Cup.
5. Rolf Egger (1934-2012), a Swiss businessman and entrepreneur who co-founded the Swiss watchmaker Swatch Group in 1983. He played a crucial role in turning the company into one of the world's largest watch manufacturers.
Genealogical research on the last name Egert
The surname Egert is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German "egi" meaning "edge" and "hard," referring to a tough or strong person living near an edge or boundary. The first recorded instances of the name appear in Germany during the Middle Ages. Notable bearers of this surname include the Egert family of Bavaria, who were landed nobles with connections to the House of Wittelsbach, rulers of Bavaria.
The Egert family later migrated to Scandinavia and became prominent in Sweden during the 16th and 17th centuries. Johannes Egert (1590-1658), a Swedish noble, served as an ambassador to Denmark and Poland. The surname also spread to Finland through marital alliances with local nobility.
In North America, the Egert family is found primarily in Pennsylvania, where they arrived in the 1700s as part of the German immigration wave. Some descendants later moved westward and established communities in Illinois, Missouri, and other Midwestern states. The Egert family remains widespread in Germany, Scandinavia, and North America today.
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