Surname Diergaardt - Meaning and Origin
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Diergaardt: What does the surname Diergaardt mean?
The last name Diergaardt is of Dutch origin and means 'of the deer garden'. It is believed that the name was given to someone who lived and worked in a garden where deer were kept or bred. The name is associated with Dutch nobility as many people in that time kept deer as status symbols.
The Diergaardt family were originally descendents of Dutch and German nobility and were landowners and administrators in the Netherlands. The name spread to other parts of Europe, with some branches of the family settling in countries such as England and the United States.
The name still remains relatively uncommon. As of 2014, the most recent census in the United States showed that only 39 people with the surname Diergaardt were registered. This may be linked to the fact that it is an old Dutch family name and more recently, there have been fewer people with Dutch decent migrating to the US. It may also be linked to individual family members leaving to migrate to other countries and taking new surnames with them in the process.
Overall, the surname Diergaardt retains its roots in the Dutch language and is a reminder of a time when Dutch nobility were able to keep and breed deer in their own garden.
Order DNA origin analysisDiergaardt: Where does the name Diergaardt come from?
The last name Diergaardt is most commonly found in Namibia, a country in Southern Africa. Most of those with the surname are descended from Jacobus Diergaardt, who fled Germany for Namibia during the late 1800s. He was a fleeing theologian, who wanted to preach Christianity to the Nama people of Namibia.
Today, Jacobus Diergaardt’s descendants can be found in both urban and rural areas of Namibia, as well as in countries around the world including Canada, Australia, and other countries in Europe.
For those living in Namibia, many of the descendants of Jacobus Diergaardt are members of the Rehoboth Basters, or Baster people. This is a group of mixed-race descent, with ties to both the Nama people and German settlers. The Rehoboth Basters are today mostly concentrated in the regions of Rehoboth, Karasburg, and Wihelmstal.
Those with the last name Diergaardt are known for their strong commitment to their religious beliefs as well as their commitment to bettering their community. Many have become active in the church, while others have gone on to serve in prominent business, government, and social positions.
For many in Namibia, the surname Diergaardt is a name to be proud of – signifying a legacy of faith, perseverance, and achievement.
Variations of the surname Diergaardt
The surname Diergaardt is sometimes spelled Deiergaardt or Deiergaart and is believed to have originated in the Netherlands. It is derived from the Dutch words dieregaard, which means “garden of deer”. It is a toponymic surname, meaning that it was originally a name used to describe a family's geographic origin.
Other variants of Diergaardt include Dirksgaard, Dirxgaarden, Dirksgaarden, Dirksgard, Dirksgarden, Dirckxgaard, Dirckgard, Deckergaard, Dirckxgarden, and Deiksgaarden. It is also often shortened to Dirks and sometimes spelled “De La Garde”.
The surname Diergaardt has several different variant spellings, including the more common Deiergaart and Deiergaardt, as well as Deiksgaarden, Deckergaard, Dirksgaarden, and Dirxgaarden. Other surnames related to this one include Dergaarden, Dirksgard, Dirksgarden, and Dirckgaard.
The various variant spellings of Diergaardt can also be found as a given name. For instance, Diergaard is the Dutch version, and Dergard is an alternate Dutch form. Similarly, Dergaard and Dirksgaard are Norwegian forms, while Dirckxgaard is a Flemish variant.
Finally, Diergaardt is an English surname in very rare circumstances, though it is most frequently found in Dutch and Norwegian populations due to their historical associations with the Dutch.
Famous people with the name Diergaardt
- Eeser Willem Diergaardt: Namibian born singer-songwriter, actor, and activist.
- Thomas Diergaardt: Namibian former politician and its first Prime Minister.
- Ewald Diergaardt: Namibian professional sports executive and former sports minister.
- Petrus “Pele” Diergaardt: Namibian football (soccer) player.
- Barbara Diergaardt: Namibian scientist and the former director of the Karas Region for the Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
- Hendrik Diergaardt: Namibian former footballer best known for his time with the Namibia Premier League side Ramblers.
- Sarel Diergaardt: Namibian judge and former chairperson of the Namibian High Court.
- Faizel Diergaardt: Namibian former cricketer.
- Reinhardt Diergaardt: Namibian Football Coach and a former worldclass player for his country.
- Martha Diergaardt: Namibian academic and teacher at a secondary school in Namibia.