Surname Porkert - Meaning and Origin

Porkert: What does the surname Porkert mean?

The last name Porkert is thought to be of Czech origin, derived from the old Czech word for pork, “porkeř”. It is a very rare surname, with only a few hundred people by the name scattered around the world. In the Czech Republic, Poland, and Russia, the variants of the name include Porcari, Porcher, and Porkerth, which is likely the closest version to the original Czech pronunciation.

The Porkerts and their variations are likely descendants of individuals who worked extensively with pork, such as butchers, merchants of pork products, or even cattle farmers. Over time, this occupation became a hereditary surname in the families. The surname also appears in records and documents dating back to the 15th century.

Due to its rarity, records of the Porkerts' history and origins are scarce, making it difficult to trace. Nonetheless, the surname has remained unchanged throughout centuries and has stayed in the same small network of families. It is possible that some people with the name may descend from the same ancestral line.

The Porkerts are unique in that their surname is both descriptive and specific, and is a reminder of their origin. A last name is often a reflection of a family's identity and having a name that is distinct from the others is a source of pride. Ultimately, bearing the surname Porkert is a sign of distinction, as it marks an individual as a descendant of Czech pork butchers with a long history dating back centuries.

Porkert: Where does the name Porkert come from?

Today, the surname Porkert is most common in Germany and Austria. It has been found in areas that were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The name is of German origin meaning "porcine worker" or "pig worker." It is believed to have been used as an occupational name for someone who tended pigs or worked in abattoirs. The earliest recorded use of the name can be traced back to the German town of Kempten, in the Bavarian region, in 1601.

In modern times, Meat packing and the pork industry are still important within Germany and Austria, and, as a result, the name Porkert is still quite common in these countries. The name has spread beyond Europe to various parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

In the United States, Porkert immigrants are recorded as early as the mid nineteenth century. It is likely that these immigrants were looking for a better life in the “New World”. Today, most Porkerts in the United States live in cities and towns in the Midwest and Eastern seaboard states.

In Canada, Porkerts can also be found in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba. In Australia and New Zealand, many Porkerts settled in the states of Victoria and New South Wales.

Despite no longer being associated with the raising of pigs, the name Porkert is still found in many parts of the world. It is also one of the more unusual surnames in the Germanic regions of Europe, setting it apart from others.

Variations of the surname Porkert

The surname Porkert is an ethnic name of Czech origin. It is derived from the old Czech word "porkr", which means rugged, wild, or untamed. As a result, variants of the name that stem from the Old Czech language may appear as Porkurt, Porkar, Porkertz, Pochart, Porckar, Porchurt, etc. The surname may also take on various spelling variations. The most common variant in Europe is the spelling "Porkert", while the variant "Porkurt" is more common in North America.

In Eastern Europe, the surname Porkert is often shortened to variations such as Por, Per, or Pur. This can create surnames such as Porek, Perek, or Purek. Another common variant is the addition of an "-s" suffix, creating surnames such as Porkerts, Porkersts, Porczers, Porchurs, and Pochurs.

In some cases, the surname Porkert has also been combined with other surnames, including those of Slavic origin, such as Polka, Poleszak, Polka, and Poryszak. In other areas, the surname has occasionally taken on the spelling and variations of the Germandish Petzold, which is unrelated to the Porkert surname.

In short, the variants, spellings, and surname variations of Porkert include, but are not limited to, Porkurt, Porkar, Porkertz, Pochart, Porckar, Porchurt, Porek, Perek, Purek, Porkerts, Porkersts, Porczers, Porchurs, Pochurs, Polka, Poleszak, Polka, and Poryszak. It can also take on the German spelling of Petzold.

Famous people with the name Porkert

• Matthias Porkert: Czech-born Austrian classical and flamenco guitarist and composer.
• Edgar Porkert: German botanist who studied the flora of South America and was a professor of botany at the University of Berlin.
• Daniel Porkert: renowned Dutch violinist, composer and conductor in the early 20th century.
• Johann Porkert: Dutch organist and composer in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
• Joseph Porkert: American journalist, editor, and philosopher in the late 19th century.
• Richard Porkert: Austrian composer and musician in the late 19th century.
• Alfred Porkert: German classical horn player and composer in the mid-19th century.
• Samuel Porkert: Czech-Jewish painter and illustrator of the early 20th century.
• Gisela Porkert-Kurka: Austrian social democrat and women's activist in the first half of the 20th century.
• Lauren Porkert: former professional ice hockey player who competed for Australia at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

Other surnames

Porkerth