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Last Name Herfort

What is the origin of the last name Herfort?

The last name Herfort is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name Herwart, which is a variation of the name Gerhard, meaning "brave" or "strong with the spear". The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who possessed these qualities. Over time, the name evolved into Herfort as a surname.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Herfort

The meaning and origin of the last name Herfort

The surname Herfort is of German origin, derived from the Old High German personal name "Herefrid," which consists of the elements "heri," meaning army, and "fridu," meaning peace. The name likely started as a nickname for someone who was peaceful or calm during times of conflict or war. Over time, the name evolved into Herfort and became a hereditary surname passing down through generations. The Herfort surname is relatively rare and can be found mainly in German-speaking regions. It is associated with individuals who may have descended from ancestors who were known for their peaceful nature or who were involved in military activities. Today, individuals with the surname Herfort can be found across the world, possibly as a result of immigration and migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Herfort

The last name Herfort is relatively uncommon and is primarily found in Germany. The highest concentration of individuals with the surname Herfort can be found in the Rhineland-Palatinate region, particularly in the cities of Mainz and Trier. There are also smaller pockets of Herfort families scattered throughout other parts of Germany, including Hesse and Bavaria. Additionally, there are some individuals with the last name Herfort in the United States, particularly in states with large German immigrant populations such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Herfort is limited primarily to Germany, with a small presence in the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Herfort

The last name Herfort can be spelled and pronounced in various ways, including Herford, Heford, Hefort, and Hörfort. These variations may arise from regional accents, dialects, or historical changes in the language. Additionally, the surname may have different spellings depending on the country of origin or immigration patterns. For example, in English-speaking countries, it is common for surnames to be anglicized or adapted to fit the local phonetic conventions. In Germany, where the name Herfort likely originated, variations such as Härfurt or Haerffort may also be found. Despite these variations, the essence of the name remains consistent, with all spellings indicating a common ancestral origin.

Famous people with the last name Herfort

There are no famous people with the last name Herfort. The surname Herfort is not well known or widely recognized in popular culture or history. It appears to be a rare or obscure family name that does not have any notable figures associated with it. It is possible that there are individuals with the last name Herfort who have achieved success or recognition in their respective fields, but they are not widely known to the public. In any case, the Herfort name does not have the same level of fame or significance as other more common surnames.

Genealogical research on the last name Herfort

The last name Herfort has German origins and is believed to be of toponymic origin, originating from the town of Herfurt in the Hesse region of Germany. The name may also be derived from the Old High German word "her," meaning army or host, and "furt," meaning ford, suggesting a possible association with a military or strategic crossing point. While records of the Herfort surname may not be as abundant as some other German surnames, it is possible to trace the name back to the medieval period in the Hesse region. Throughout history, individuals with the surname Herfort may have been involved in various occupations and trades, with some possibly holding positions of authority or leadership within their communities. Today, individuals with the last name Herfort can be found primarily in Germany and other parts of Europe.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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