Surname Wirts - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wirts: What does the surname Wirts mean?
The last name Wirts is of German origin and is derived from the word ‘wirt’, which translates to ‘host’ or ‘innkeeper’. In fact, it is believed to come from the Old High German ‘wirt’ which literally means ‘one who takes care of’. It hasn’t been proven, however, that the name is connected to any particular owner of an historic inn.
During the medieval times, taverns were the hubs of towns and villages and the owners, or the Wirte, were in charge of taking in travelers, offering them fresh food and drinks as well as lodgings. These owners were often regarded as authorities in their respective communities, often involving themselves in village councils and offering advice.
Over the years, the name has morphed to many variations, such as Wirtz, Wirz, and Wirtshafter, amongst others. The majority of people who have this last name are descended from people who were originally owners of inns or taverns. The Wirts name is found most predominantly around Central Europe, particularly Germany, with a smaller amount of immigrants bearing this name having spread to the USA, Canada, Australia and elsewhere.
Today, the Wirts name is often seen as a sign of hospitality and a warm welcome. While the name may have its origins in a trade, it is seen now as a simple reminder of kindness and camaraderie.
Order DNA origin analysisWirts: Where does the name Wirts come from?
The last name Wirts is quite common throughout the United States, with an estimated 19,600 individuals having the name. It is especially well-represented in the Midwest, appearing at higher rates in other states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin. Outside of the U.S., Wirts is a common surname in Germany. It originated from the German term wirtschaft, which referred to an inn or tavern. It was often adopted by those who worked in the hospitality industries.
One of the earliest documented forms of the name was in the town of Thal, located in present-day Switzerland. Records date it back to the early 16th century. It has been suggested that many German emigrants between the 18th and 19th centuries had the last name. Wirts is also found in Austria, with a notable concentration in the Tyrol region. It appears to be on the decline in Austria, however, as records from the 1990s suggest that there were fewer than 300 individuals with the last name.
Variations of the surname Wirts
The surname Wirts has two known variants in terms of spelling, both of which are quite common. The first variant of the surname is Wirtz and the second variant is Wirtz. Both of these variants originate from the medieval German personal name Wirt, which is derived from the Old High German word “wirt”, meaning “guardian”, “keeper”, or “protector”.
In modern times, the Wirts surname can also be seen spelled as Wirf, Wirz, Wirfz, Wierz, Wirth, Wurtz, Wirtge, and Wortz, among others. Variants of the surname can also be found in other languages, including the Czech Wirtz, the Dutch Witer, the Hungarian Wirth, the Polish Wirt, and even the Italian Virdi.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, other surnames that are derived from Wirt include Wirtle, Wirtshafter, Wirten, Wirtner, Wirtl, Wirtig, Wirtsz, Wirthe, and Wirtzinger, to name a few.
Overall, it is evident that the Wirts surname in all of its forms has been around for many centuries, being adopted by families of various origins and languages. As such, despite its various forms, the surname can still be traced back to its root origin, being derived from a medieval personal name with the meaning of “guardian”, “keeper”, or “protector”.
Famous people with the name Wirts
- Michael Wirts: artist and filmmaker.
- Wilma Wirts: opera singer.
- Brian Wirts: professional golfer.
- Francis Wirts: Major General in the Revolutionary War.
- Norbert Wirts: professional basketball player in the 1950s.
- Clara Wirts: American athlete and Olympian.
- Bob Wirts: American poet and author.
- David Wirts: professor of American literature at the University of Rochester.
- Charles Wirts: American actor and voice actor.
- Richard Wirts: author and lecturer on the field of American poverty and its effects.