Last Name Pickert

The surname "Pickert" is of German origin. It is an occupational name for a picker or gatherer, derived from Middle High German "picken" meaning to pick or choose, and "Zeug" meaning an implement or utensil. Therefore, the original bearers of this surname were people who worked as laborers picking or choosing items, such as fruit, grains, or raw materials for crafts, with tools or implements.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pickert

The meaning and origin of the last name Pickert

The surname Pickert is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "pikker" meaning "picker" or "pickaxe-man". It is an occupational name for someone who was a laborer who used a pickaxe in mining and construction work. The name may also have been a regional name for someone living near a place where pickaxes were made. The use of occupational and geographical names in surnames became common during the High Middle Ages, as increasing social mobility led to the need for distinctive personal identifiers. The popularity of the name Pickert peaked in Germany during the 19th century and it is still a relatively common name there today. In other countries, such as the United States, it is less common but can still be found among German immigrants and their descendants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pickert

The surname Pickert is predominantly found in Germany and its neighboring regions, where it originated from. Historically, the name was most prevalent in the southern and western parts of the country, particularly in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Hesse. In more recent times, people with the surname Pickert can also be found in other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. Beyond Europe, there are significant populations of Pickerts in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, many of whom are descendants of German immigrants during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, smaller groups of Pickert families reside in Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand, and various other countries where German immigrants settled over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pickert

The surname Pickert has several spelling variations, mainly due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and changes over time. Some common variants of the name include Pickardt, Picart, Pikert, Pickerth, Pikertz, Peckert, and Peckart. These variations may arise from differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or errors in record-keeping. For example, "Peckert" might be a phonetic rendering of "Pickert" in certain dialects. Similarly, "Pikertz" could be a regional variant with an added 's' for plurality or possessiveness. It is important to note that these variations should not be confused with different names altogether, as they share the same etymological root. The original form of the name is likely to have been Pickert, though its origins and meaning remain unclear, as it does not appear in any established lists of Germanic or Old Norse names.

Famous people with the last name Pickert

The Pickert surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Karl Pickert (1897-1974), an Austrian-born American composer and conductor. He was a prominent figure in Hollywood, having scored over 200 films during his career. Another distinguished Pickert is John Pickert (1865-1938), a U.S. Representative from Iowa. Serving from 1927 until his death, he was a member of the Democratic Party and served on the Committee on Education. Lastly, Helene Pickert (1904-1993) was an accomplished German actress, known for her roles in films such as "The Student of Prague" and "Waxworks." These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and influences that can stem from the Pickert surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Pickert

The surname Pickert originates from German-speaking regions, specifically Bavaria and Thuringia. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "pikker" or "pickar," meaning "picker" or "weaver." Early records indicate that this name was most common among artisans who specialized in weaving, particularly woolen cloth.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name Pickert is Hans Pikart, a weaver from Nuremberg in the 15th century. The family migrated to various parts of Europe and later to the Americas during the late 17th and 18th centuries as part of the Protestant migration. In the United States, Pickerts can be found in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and other Eastern states where German immigrants settled.

Over time, several variants of the name have emerged, including Pikert, Peickert, Pickhart, Picard, and others due to spelling inconsistencies during record-keeping. Genealogical research suggests that many descendants of these early Pickerts continue to reside in their original regions or have migrated further afield, maintaining the tradition of weaving and craftsmanship throughout subsequent generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pickert"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends