Surname Morthorst - Meaning and Origin
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Morthorst: What does the surname Morthorst mean?
The last name Morthorst is of German origin, and is derived from the old German word "Mürthorst," meaning "moor of the forest." This likely referred to an area of land surrounded and protected by a forest of trees. The Morthorst family likely denoted their place of origin by taking this name, though it is not known when the name originally was adopted.
The Morthorst surname can be found in records dating back to the early 17th century, where it is documented that the family lived in Morthorst, which is a hamlet in Northern Germany. Records also show that they had a thriving mercantile business and were landed gentry, holding various titles.
In modern times, the Morthorst surname is still found in various parts of Germany but is also spreading to other places in Europe. It can now be found in countries such as England, America, Australia, and New Zealand. Given its roots, it is likely that these Morthorsts are direct descendants of the original family who adopted the name so many years ago.
Order DNA origin analysisMorthorst: Where does the name Morthorst come from?
The last name Morthorst is most common in Germany today, with a concentration of families living in the north and east of the country. The name is particularly common in the state of Lower Saxony, specifically the region of Emsland. Historically, the name and its variants (Mordhorst, Mortorst, Murthorst, etc.) has been found in the record as far back as the 1500s in this region. In addition to Germany, Morthorst is found in smaller numbers throughout the Scandinavian countries, particularly in Denmark, then spreading to Sweden, Norway, and Finland. The name is also found in various concentrated pockets in Russia, the Netherlands, and even in the United States.
The origin of the name Morthorst is found in the German language, and is derived from the old word mord meant to describe a refuge or shelter. Thus, Morthorst may have originated as a place name and moved on to become a last name. It is likely that the Morthorst family first established its roots in the Emsland region and spread from there.
Variations of the surname Morthorst
Morthorst is an uncommon Germanic surname. It is believed to have originated from regions within Germany and the Netherlands. Variants of the surname include Morthorst, Mortorst, Morthorst, Morthorst, Morthourst and Mortourst.
In Germany, Morthorst may be found spelled as Möhrhorst and Mörtörst. Variations of the spelling in the United States include Mortorff, Mortorffs, Morthurst, Morthurst, Mortorst, Morturst and Mortroff. In the Netherlands, the spelling may take the form of Mortroest or Mortier.
Variations of surnames from the same origin could also include Möhrmann, Möhrmeyer, Möhrle, Möhring and Möhrmann.
Morthorst translates to “from the barren land” in German, which held significance in the agricultural age. It is believed the surname is used to denote the descendants of a family who owned land that was barren of crops, thus earning them the nickname “the barren land folk.”
The Morthorsts were primarily land-based farmers and landowners, and the name Morthorst may be traced back to eminent families in East Germany who held prominent positions in the government during earlier centuries. In the Netherlands, the Morthorsts were primarily farmers, with some migrating to the United States where they settled in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
Famous people with the name Morthorst
- Matilde Morthorst: Danish actress and singer.
- Christian Lund Morthorst: Danish actor and TV presenter
- Peter Morthorst: Danish composer and producer
- Alexander Morthorst: Danish actor
- Claus Morthorst: Danish actor
- Lasse Morthorst: Danish actor
- Jan Morthorst: Danish actor
- John Morthorst: Danish actor and singer
- Christian Morthorst: Danish actor
- Poul Morthorst: Danish actor
- Ninna Morthorst: Danish editor and producer
- Pia Morthorst: Danish actress
- Mathias Morthorst: Danish actor
- Gregory Morthorst: Danish actor
- Anton Morthorst: Danish actor
- Bent Morthorst: Danish actor
- Marie Morthorst: Danish actress
- Lone Morthorst: Danish actress
- Mette Morthorst: Danish actress
- Jakob Morthorst: Danish actor and producer