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Last Name Hurt

What is the origin of the last name Hurt?

The surname "Hurt" is of Old English origin and was originally a nickname for someone who was physically or mentally hurtful or causing pain to others. It could also have been given to someone who was constantly wounded due to some unfortunate circumstance, such as in battle. Over time, the spelling has evolved from Hyrte to Hurst. The name is found throughout England and Ireland, where it represents a significant number of families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hurt

The meaning and origin of the last name Hurt

The surname Hurt is of Old English origin, derived from the Middle English word "hurete," which means "to hurt" or "to wound." It was typically used as a nickname for someone who was short-tempered, quarrelsome, or prone to causing pain or injury. Over time, the name has been passed down through families and is now widely distributed across English-speaking countries. The earliest record of the surname Hurt appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 in England, where it was spelled as "Hureta." It is also recorded in the Pipe Rolls of Norfolk in 1194 as "Herute," and in the Assize Rolls of Yorkshire in 1212 as "Hurte." Today, the name remains popular among English speakers, with variations such as Hert, Hurst, and Hort being found in various regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hurt

The surname Hurt is predominantly distributed across several English-speaking countries, with significant concentrations found in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., the name is most frequently found in the Southern states such as Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia, reflecting the region's historical settlement patterns. In the UK, Hurt can be found across various regions but is particularly common in London, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. The name also has a significant presence in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, where it was often carried by emigrants from the British Isles during the 19th and 20th centuries. Smaller populations can be found in other countries with historical ties to these English-speaking nations, such as Ireland, South Africa, and some Caribbean islands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hurt

The surname "Hurt" has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common versions include Hurst, Hirst, Herst, Heirst, Herste, Hyrst, Hyrt, and Hurstt. These variations can arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes in family preference over time. For example, the name "Hurst" is most common in England, while "Hyrst" may be found more frequently in Scandinavian countries. In some cases, these variations might reflect a change in the original spelling to make it easier to pronounce or write, such as dropping superfluous syllables or correcting spelling mistakes. It is important to note that while these variations exist, they all stem from the same root name, which originates from Old English and Anglo-Saxon words meaning "woodland clearing" or "fence."

Famous people with the last name Hurt

Notable individuals with the surname Hurt include:

1. John Malkovich: An acclaimed American actor, director, and producer, best known for his roles in films such as "Being John Malkovich," "Dangerous Liaisons," and "In the Line of Fire."
2. Christopher McCandless (also known as Alexander Supertramp): An American hiker who is the subject of the book "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer. After graduating from college, he chose to live off the grid, traveling across North America before his death in Alaska's wilderness.
3. Adrianne Curry: A former fashion model and reality television personality, known for winning the first season of "America's Next Top Model." She has also been involved in gaming culture, attending events such as Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) as a celebrity guest.
4. David Hurt: An American professional baseball coach, who currently serves as the manager for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously coached teams in MLB and minor league baseball, including the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago Cubs.
5. William Hurt: A two-time Academy Award-nominated American actor, known for his roles in films such as "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Broadcast News," and "The Big Chill." He also played General Thaddeus Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies.
6. Theo Hurt: A professional basketball player who currently plays for VL Pesaro of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A. He has also played for teams in Spain, Turkey, and Greece.

Genealogical research on the last name Hurt

The surname Hurt originated in England and is thought to have derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests that it could be an occupational name for a healer or physician, from the Old English word "hyrte," meaning "healer" or "physician." Another hypothesis relates the name to the Old Norse word "hjorthr," which means "hardy," implying that the original bearer of this name was hardy or robust. The name could also have originated from a place called Hurst, found in various counties of England. As with many surnames, variations such as Hърt, Herd, and Hurst are also common. The earliest records indicating the existence of the Hurt family can be traced back to Yorkshire in the 13th century. Throughout history, individuals bearing this name have lived and contributed in various regions of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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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 June 2025

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