Last Name Wirth

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wirth

The meaning and origin of the last name Wirth

The surname Wirth is primarily of Germanic origins, derived from the Old High German word "wuert" which means 'farmer' or 'workman'. It is an occupational name, bestowed upon individuals who were involved in agricultural activities or craftsmanship. Over time, as families migrated and populations shifted, variations of this surname emerged in different regions and languages. For instance, the French form of Wirth is "Verte," while in Dutch, it is "Werth." The name has been found among numerous European families, most notably those from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, but it also appears in the records of other countries with significant Germanic influence such as the United States. Today, the Wirth surname continues to be widespread, showcasing its historical legacy and enduring popularity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wirth

The surname Wirth is of German origin and has a significant presence across Germany, particularly in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. It also has a substantial population in Switzerland, notably in the German-speaking regions. Emigration from these areas during the 19th and early 20th centuries led to a dispersion of the name among Germanic communities in the United States, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, with particularly high concentrations in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in the U.S., as well as Queensland and Victoria in Australia. The name is also found in France, Belgium, and South America due to historical migration patterns. In summary, Wirth is predominantly a Germanic surname with widespread distribution across Europe and its diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wirth

The surname Wirth can be found with several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preferences over time. Some common variations include: Wierth, Wierthe, Wiorth, Wyther, Wither, Wyrth, Wirtz, Wirz, Wirt, Worthing, Worth, and Wrath. The name is of German origin, deriving from the word "wirth," meaning innkeeper or host. It is also associated with the Old High German "wiuru," which means "man" or "warrior." These variations and spellings serve as evidence of the name's historical significance and widespread usage across different geographical regions and time periods.

Famous people with the last name Wirth

Notable individuals with the surname Wirth include:

* Grace Murray Hopper (1906-1992), an American computer scientist and United States Navy Rear Admiral, who was one of the first programmers of computers and a pioneer in the development of COBOL, a programming language.
* Richard M. Wirthlin (1937-2018), an American political consultant, pollster, and author known for his work with Republican candidates and President Ronald Reagan during his presidency.
* Samuel J. Worth (1915-2005), an American television writer, producer, and director, who was a key figure in the development of children's television programming and created popular shows such as "Captain Kangaroo" and "Romper Room".
* Peter Wirth (born 1963), a German economist and politician, who has served as the Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate since 2019 and is a member of the Christian Democratic Union.
* Martin Wirth (1875-1943), an Austrian-born American architect known for designing notable buildings in San Francisco, including the Palace Hotel and the Mechanics' Institute Library.

Genealogical research on the last name Wirth

The surname Wirth is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'wurht', meaning craft or trade. It is one of the most common surnames in Germany and Switzerland, with variations such as Weir, Wier, Weyr, and Wythe also found across Europe and North America due to migration waves during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Wirth family tree can be traced back to Medieval Germany, where early records show the name being associated with craftsmen, particularly bakers and millers. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Johann Georg Wirth (a German architect who designed Stuttgart's main railway station), Otto Wirth (a Swiss painter and printmaker), and Henry Wirtz (an American botanist). Researching the genealogy of the Wirth family would require access to birth, marriage, and death records from Germany, Switzerland, and other countries where the surname is prevalent. Additionally, immigration records could provide valuable information about the movement of the Wirth family across borders over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wirth"
• 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 : 12 June 2025