Surname Haerting - Meaning and Origin
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Haerting: What does the surname Haerting mean?
Haerting is a name of German origin that is thought to have descended from a group known as the Germanic Alemanni people. The Alemanni were an influential Germanic confederacy who resided in the Western Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. As such, Haerting is a descriptive name familiar to many of German origin that has a variety of meanings depending on where it originates.
Haerting translates to “hard” in the English language, however, other German translations offer meanings such as “strong”, “hardy”, or “sturdiness”. The spelling of “Haerting” originated with Johann Haertel, a German landowner who was the first to be recorded and documented with this spelling.
The Haerting surname is believed to have originated in the Rhine area of Germany, as well as being found in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary. Over time, its spelling has been modified due to different dialects, resulting in different versions and pronunciations of the name in various countries.
The Haerting surname is known as an occupational name that often refers to a person who is physically strong and robust. Its translation into English has also been adapted, from “hard” to “temperamental”, “rigid” or “stubborn”.
Regardless of the varying translations and spellings of this distinctive surname, it is clear to see that the word “Haerting” is synonymous with strong will, determination, and resilience.
Order DNA origin analysisHaerting: Where does the name Haerting come from?
The last name Haerting is most commonly found in Germany today. According to one genealogy website, Haertings can trace their roots to the duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg, a former small German state located in the northwestern part of the country. A map from the mid-1800s showed that Haertings were most heavily populated near the town of Lauenburg.
The current distribution of the Haerting surname is most heavily spread out in the North German states of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. Smaller populations can also be found in other German states, as well as elsewhere in Europe.
Haerting may have evolved from “Harting”, which is most likely derived from the Old German word, "Hart", meaning hardy or strong. It could be assumed that the surname reflects the occupation of the original bearer, such as a blacksmith. Alternatively, early members of the family may have been granted this name because of their hard, brave and/or strong character.
Given the origins and dispersal of the family name over time, it is possible that the Haerting surname has been absorbed into other names over the years. For instance, the spelling may have changed from 'Haerting' to 'Harting', or even to 'Herding'. Regardless, any of the spellings of the Haerting name are rarely seen today beyond Germany.
Variations of the surname Haerting
The variants, spellings and surnames of origin for the surname Haerting are Harting, Härtung, Härting, and Harthing.
Harting is the most common variant of the surname Haerting. It is an anglicized form of the German surname Härting. Harting is found mainly in the United States, South Africa, and Australia, while its original form, Härtung, is still found in Germany and other places of Germanic origin. It is also found with a letter e between the two r's, as Häerting.
Haerting is the original Germanic form, and is still popular in Central Europe, especially Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is a patronymic surname, which means it originated from the father's first name. The prefix "Hae" or "Hä" meant heart or strong in Middle High German, suggesting that the original bearer was a strong or brave person.
Harthing is another variation of Haerting, mostly found in England, although it is also found in Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, and Lithuania. It is an Anglicized form of Scandinavian surnames, such as Hørthing and Hårting.
No matter what spelling is used, Haerting, Harting, Härtung, Härting, or Harthing, all of these surnames have the same origin, and refer to the same family.
Famous people with the name Haerting
- Frédérique Haerting: French actress known for her roles in movies such as The Climb and My Soul to Take.
- Oskar Haerting: German lawyer and world champion sabre fencer; won 26 international titles in an 18-year career.
- Stephen Haerting: Canadian basketball player who competed for Canada at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
- Isabell Haerting: German swimmer; competed in three Olympic events in 2008.
- Thure Haerting: German film and theatre actor; known for his roles in films such as The Counterfeiters and Wie im Himmel.
- Bernd Haerting: German rower; competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
- Susanne Haerting-Kneip: German swimmer; five-time Olympic medalist.
- Annika Haerting: German track and field athlete; competed in the 2004 Olympics.
- Sepp Haerting: Austrian-American track and field athlete; competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
- Alfred Haerting: German footballer; played in the 1934 FIFA World Cup for Germany.