Surname Härthel - Meaning and Origin

Härthel: What does the surname Härthel mean?

The surname Härthel is a German surname that originated in southern Germany. It is derived from the Old German language and is composed of two words, ‘här’ and ‘thel’, which have the same meaning: “protection”.

The surname first appeared in records in the region of Bavaria in 1155 AD and is believed to have been used during the Middle Ages. It was likely used to distinguish those who were seeking or providing protection from other scavengers.

The literal interpretation of Härthel would be a person who defends or protects, leading to implications of a guardian. Additionally, other interpretations of the name could include being a powerful leader who commands his followers or a loyal and honorable person.

In modern-day Germany, Härthel is still a popular surname. It is most common in the southern regions of Germany, such as Bavaria, where it first originated. Härthel is also known to be an inherited surname, meaning that it is typically passed down from generation to generation.

Overall, the surname Härthel has a long and rich history in Germany and has been a part of the culture for hundreds of years. Its ancient connotations of loyalty, honor, and protection are still highly valued in modern German culture.

Härthel: Where does the name Härthel come from?

The last name Härthel is most common today in Germany. It is found throughout the country, with higher concentrations in the east. According to genealogy databases, the last name is primarily associated with Bavaria and Saxony, two states in the east of Germany.

The name Härthel comes from the Middle High German word 'hart', meaning 'hard' or 'brave'. Records of the name date back to the 16th century.

The exact origin of the name is not clear. It could refer to someone who displayed bravery in battle; a nickname could have been given to a man due to his courageous nature. Alternatively, it could refer to the fact that someone was a hardworking, reliable and dependable person. Peter Härthel is the earliest known person bearing the name, and he lived in Germany during the 16th and 17th centuries.

It is also possible that the name has a geographical origin. Those from the town of Härtel, which is in the German state of Bavaria, may have adopted the name.

In summary, the last name Härthel is an old German name, most likely linked to bravery, hardworking or a place name. It is most common today in Germany, particularly in the states of Bavaria and Saxony.

Variations of the surname Härthel

The surname Härthel has been known to exist in multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin since the Middle Ages. Härthel is a German surname, meaning 'army spear'.

Variants of the name Härthel include Härttel, Harthill, Herthel, Hartle, Hertle, Hartel, Hertel, Hartell, Hertell, Hartl, Hertl, Hartell, Hertell, Harttlr, Herthlr, and Hartlle.

An alternate spelling of the name, Härtel, has been found in documents such as German census records, as well as in older English documents.

Variations of the surname, originating from different countries, have also been observed. Some of these variations include Arthard (Swiss), Arehart (Austrian), Harty (Irish), Hartly (English), Hartley (British), and Herald (French).

Surnames derived from Härthel can also be related to regional dialects and languages. These include Arthaud (French), Harty (Welsh), Hearthal (Netherlands), Harsdorf (Austrian), and Hartelius (Scandinavian).

The Härthel surname has spread pedo-biologically to other parts of the world, with some of the more common spellings being Hartley (English and Scottish), Hertha (Icelandic), Hartha (Israeli), and Hardt (Danish).

No matter what spelling is used, the first mention of the Härthel surname dates back to medieval Germany.

Famous people with the name Härthel

• Hermann Härthel (1850–1931) was a German ophthalmologist who was also part of early attempts at industrial photography.
• Auguste Härthel (1859–1924) was a German sculptor and illustrator. He is known for his realistic sculptures of animals and children.
• Max Härthel (1865–1917) was a German actor and writer. He was a member of the genre-defining Humoristen Quartette troupe of satirical comedians in the late 19th century.
• Pauline Härthel (1839–1915) was a German textile artist and painter who specialised in printing designs onto fabric.
• Hans Härthel (1904–1966) was a German sports shooter and the first to win an Olympic medal post World War One.
• Josef Härthel (1924–1999) was a German alpinist, mountaineer and skier.
• Adolf Härthel (1876–1962) was a German agronomist who specialised in farm animal science and soil science.
• Marie Härthel (1867–1937) was a German operatic soprano primarily associated with the Dresden and Hamburg Operas.
• Wilfried Härthel (1940–2005) was a German actor who worked mainly in television and radio plays.
• Alexander Härthel (born 1943) is a German composer and musicologist, most known for his contributions to film music.

Other surnames

Harthelay