Surname Ekerts - Meaning and Origin
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Ekerts: What does the surname Ekerts mean?
The last name Ekerts is an occupational surname derived from the Old English word “Ekert,” which means "one who keeps archery equipment." Such an individual would have been responsible for maintaining, repairing, and storing bows, arrows, and other tools of the sport. The surname is likely to have originated in regions of England where archery was practiced in the Middle Ages.
The surname could have been used as an occupational name for anyone in the bow-making or bow-fletching trades. The spelling of the name could have been modified over time, with different versions such as Eckerd and Eckeard, populating227 the records. Ekerts was likely to have been a patronymic surname, meaning it was adopted by the son of an individual with the name Ekert.
Today, the Ekerts surname is shared by hundreds of individuals across the globe, primarily in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Those with the surname can trace their roots back to the Middle Ages, when archery was an important part of medieval life.
Whether connected through a common ancestry or through identification with the same trade, the Ekerts name unites its bearers, representing both an illustrious past and an ongoing commitment to their heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisEkerts: Where does the name Ekerts come from?
The last name Ekerts is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe today. It is a variant of Eckert, which is Germanic and derived from some old German words meaning "edge" or "corner of the land or town." It is believed to have initially originated in the 12th century with German-speaking settlers in the area of present-day Austria and Bavaria.
The last name Ekerts is especially common in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It is also found in other parts of Europe but to a lesser degree. As of 2021, the last name Ekerts is fairly rare outside of Central and Eastern Europe.
Aside from Europe, the last name Ekerts is also found among German-speaking communities in some countries in South and North America, such as Argentina, Canada, and the United States. It is likely brought to these countries through the process of immigration from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The last name Ekerts is also found in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and some other parts of the world due to settlement by European immigrants over the course of the past two centuries. It is estimated that around 100,000 people worldwide bear the last name Ekerts today.
Variations of the surname Ekerts
The surname Ekerts has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is Eikerts, which is derived from the Middle High German word "eichert" meaning "oak forest". This spelling of the name is especially common in Germany, Netherlands, and Austria. Other variants include Aegerts, Aegarts, Eckert, Ecert, Eggert, Eggarts, Eggerts, Ekarts, Ekartsen, Eegerts, Eigerts, and Egars.
The surname Ekerts is also related to several other German surnames that are derived from names for places or professions. A common variant of the surname is Acker, roughly translated to “plowman” or “farmer”. Other related surnames include Ackerdts, Ackers, Eckerdts, Eckerling, Eckers, and Ekers.
Other surnames that are related to Ekerts include Ewart, derived from the Old English word “eofor” meaning “boar”; and Uhert or Uhrt, an occupational name meaning “clockmaker”.
The spelling of Ekerts has been slightly altered over the centuries, leading to a few other variations such as Ercts, Eriks, and Eurts.
Overall, there are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Ekerts. While some of the related names derive from occupations or places, the primary origin of the name Ekerts is the Middle High German word “eichert” meaning “oak forest”.
Famous people with the name Ekerts
- Ingrid Ekerts: Ingrid Ekerts is a Dutch film actress, who has appeared in various films including “The Hunt” (2008), “The Heineken Kidnapping” (2011), and “The Iron Lady” (2012).
- Arthur Ekerts: Arthur Ekerts is a Dutch mobster and former leader of the Dutch “Noordse Kliek” criminal organization.
- John Ekerts: John Ekerts is an American professional ice-hockey player and four-time world champion, who played for the Boston Bruins from 1984 to 1987.
- Frank Ekerts: Frank Ekerts is a Dutch racing driver who won the Dutch Touring Car Championship in 1994, 1996, and 1997.
- Jules Ekerts: Jules Ekerts was a Dutch doctor and nutritionist, once regarded as the most influential nutrition scientist of his time.
- Paul Ekert: Paul Ekert was a Swiss-American painter and artist, known for his paintings of the Hudson River Valley.
- bour Ekerts: bour Ekerts is a contemporary Dutch classical composer, who has composed several works for both acoustic and electronic chamber music.
- Pieter Ekerts: Pieter Ekerts was a Dutch sculptor and engraver, who was active during the Renaissance period.
- Åke Ekerts: Åke Ekerts was a Swedish author and environmentalist, known for his works on forest conservation.
- Helena Ekerts: Helena Ekerts is an Dutch model and beauty pageant contestant, who competed in the Miss International 2014 pageant.