Surname Hirst - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
From DNA Analysis to Personal Identity: A Journey of Discovery with Surname Hirst
Awash with curiosity about my surname Hirst's origins, I took the iGENEA DNA test, which served as a time machine, taking me back to my mixed British Isles and Scandinavian roots. This amplified my understanding of my identity while instilling robust pride in my heritage.
G. Hirst
read moreHirst: What does the surname Hirst mean?
Hirst is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is a topographic name, derived from the Old English word "hyrst," meaning "wooded hill" or "delve." Thus, the surname was likely initially given to people who lived near or on a wooded hill. It is particularly common in Yorkshire and Lancashire, regions in England where these geographic features are common. The name belongs to the category of surnames that were derived from the geographical or topological features of the landscape from which the original bearer lived or came from. There are several variations of the surname including Hearst, Hurst, and Herst. So, Hirst essentially signifies a connection to the land and a rootedness in a specific geographical area. It also signifies a historical continuation from one's ancestors who could be traced back to these regions.
Order DNA origin analysisHirst: Where does the name Hirst come from?
The surname Hirst is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a topographical name for someone who lived on a wooded hill, derived from the Old English word "hyrst," meaning wood or copse. The name hails from the northern Middle English region, specifical from Yorkshire where the name was first recorded in the 12th century.
Today, the surname Hirst is more common in England and its former colonies like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. In England, it remains prevalent in Yorkshire due to its local origins. According to various census data, Hirst ranks as the 889th most common surname in England. Famous individuals with the name include Damien Hirst, a prominent English artist and art collector, and Geoffrey Hirst, a former English footballer.
Variations of the surname Hirst
The surname Hirst is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "hyrst", meaning "wooded hill". This name often denoted someone who lived near such a feature.
Variations of this name include Hurst, Horst, Hearst, and Herst. It's not uncommon for spelling to differ based on regional dialects and phonetic interpretations, so these variations can be found in different records or geographic locations.
It's also possible that Hirst might have been altered upon arrival to English-speaking countries by non-English speaking immigrants. As a result, the surname could appear as Hirsh, Hirsch, or Hersch in German or Yiddish contexts, although these primarily relate to the word for 'deer' in these languages.
While there are quite a few variations for the surname Hirst, it's essential to note that not all people with this last name or its variants will share the same lineage or origin.
Names such as Hurstwood, Woodhurst and Hillhurst may be related or derived from the Hirst surname, as they combine it or its meanings with other elements. Similarly, more complex surnames such as Hirstman, Hirsthouse or Hirstfield most likely emerged from families or individuals living in dwellings or areas prominently featuring 'hirst' characteristics.
Famous people with the name Hirst
- Damien Hirst: Famous British contemporary artist best known for his spot paintings, spin paintings, installations, sculpture, and performance.
- Vic Hirst: Former English footballer who played for several clubs during his professional career, including Bradford City and Huddersfield Town.
- Sean Hirst: Professional soccer player from England, who has played for teams such as Farnborough FC, Grays Athletic, and Altrincham.
- Miriam Hirst: British Bishop of the Methodist Church, and a prominent figure in the Manchester area.
- Kellie Hirst: Former professional goalkeeper for Sky Blue FC, and Newcastle United in Australia.
- Robin Hirst: Acclaimed British writer and author of books such as An Englishman’s Journey through the Wild and Trouble-free years, as well as an animal lover.
- Conway Hirst: Retired English rugby union player who represented England during the 1960s
- Jonathan Hirst: English lawyer, businessman, and Adviser to the Archbishop of Canterbury on Constitutional and Ecclesiastical matters.
- Maxwell Hirst: English entomologist and zoologist, best known for his work on spiders and wasps.
- Hilda Hirst: English artist, illustrator, and author, best known for her stunning oil paintings.