Surname Markvart - Meaning and Origin

Markvart: What does the surname Markvart mean?

The surname Markvart is derived from the Germanic personal name Marcward, which is composed of the elements 'marc' (famous) and 'ward' (protector). The name was popular during the Middle Ages, and is believed to originate from an old Germanic society in which there existed a "markward" or lord who served as a protector of the demesne. This lord was often the leader of the community or clan, and thus was given the title "Markward".

Due to how susceptible surnames can be to change, the Markvart surname has gone through many variations throughout its lifespan, with spellings including Märkwart, Märkwärt, Markfarth, Märkfart, Markwart, Markfard, Marfart, Marefart, Merfard, Markward, and Marwort among others.

The roots of the Markvart surname are indicative of its purpose in establishing one's identity, as it indicates devotion first and foremost to protecting the people, a purpose which has been held by those who have bore this surname throughout time. This name, and its many variations, identifies those who have been and continue to be a beacon of security and protection for their families and communities.

Markvart: Where does the name Markvart come from?

The last name Markvart is most commonly found in the Czech Republic today. Historically, the Markvarts were a well-known noble family that originated in the Middle Ages and held large and powerful landholdings across what is now the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. The modern-day Markvarts are believed to be descendants of this noble family.

Today, Markvart is one of the most popular surnames in the Czech Republic. According to the Czech Statistical Office, there are currently over 11,000 people living in the country who bear the last name Markvart. The high concentration of Markvarts is mostly seen in the major cities of Prague, Brno, and several other locations throughout the country.

Outside the Czech Republic, Markvart is not found in very large numbers. There are small communities of people with this last name in several other Central and Eastern European countries, as well as in the United States.

In the United States, many Markvarts are descendants of Czech immigrants who came to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, due to their relatively small numbers, they remain largely unknown and dispersed throughout the country. Today, the last name Markvart is still most commonly associated with the Czech Republic and its residents.

Variations of the surname Markvart

The surname Markvart is of German origin and dates back to the Middle Ages when it was first recorded in the spellings Markward, Markwart, and Markhard. The root of the surname consists of the German words "mark" and "wart," which when combined mean "guardian of the boundary." The surname is generally divided into three branches; two are found mainly in Germany while the third is spread across various countries worldwide.

In Germany, the first branch is found mainly in Schleswig-Holstein and is spelled Markwart. The second is found in Bavaria and Saxony and is spelled Markhard. The third branch is spread across Europe, most notably in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Poland, and is spelled Markvart.

In the early twentieth century, there were numerous Markwart and Markhard variants recorded in the United States including Markwerth, Markert, Marckhardt, and Marcwart. Immigrants of the third branch, Markvart, are rare and the surname is most commonly found in areas of European settlement.

Markvart is a Germanic surname with a long history. It should not be confused with other Germanic surnames that are spelled similarly, such as Markwardt, Marckwardt, and Marchwert. The many spelling changes over time has resulted in numerous variants of the same surname, allowing for the tracing of one's family's history and heritage.

Famous people with the name Markvart

• Beata Markvart: Czech composer, professor of composition at the Prague Conservatory and president of the Jazz Section of the Czech Music Council.
• Filip Markvart: Czech music composer, conductor and operatist.
• Marek Markvart: Czech electronic musician and composer, known for his work with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Přemysl Markvart: Czech professional footballer and coach who currently plays for FC Baník Ostrava.
• Tomáš Markvart: Czech biologist and environmental scientist, working on field of climate change, sustainable energy and resource management.
• Šárka Markvartová: Czech long-distance runner, competed in the 2015 European Athletics Team Championships and finished 4th in the 3000 metres steeplechase.
• Jan Ondřej Markvart: Czech modern pentathlete, won gold at the 2003 UIPM World Cup finals in Madrid.
• Jana Markvartová: Czech biathlete, competed at the 2006 Olympics in Turin and also at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
• Šimon Markvart: Czech footballer, playing for SK Dynamo České Budějovice in the Czech First League.
• Jan Markvart: Czech volleyball player, representing the VC Kladno in the Czech Extraliga.

Other surnames

MarkvardMarkvardt