Surname Eckerd - Meaning and Origin
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Eckerd: What does the surname Eckerd mean?
The last name Eckerd is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word “ecke.” This term translates to “corner” or “edge,” which implies families with this surname likely lived in or around the edge of a village. The name can also be spelled “Eckard” or “Eckert.”
The Eckerd family first appeared in the Middle Ages by various documents scattered throughout Germany. One such document depicts Peter von Eckerd in the year 1345, living in the village of Grossenaltheim, Bavaria.
Throughout the next centuries, Eckerds have served in significant roles throughout various parts of Germany, including in politics, business, and even the military. By the 1800s, many Eckerds had emigrated to the United States, with major waves of Eckerd immigrants settling in Pennsylvania and the Midwest.
Today, many Eckerds, both in Germany and the U.S., are known for their enterprising spirit. As a result, many have gone on to start successful businesses or even work in the banking and asset management fields.
Simply put, the last name Eckerd is derived from the edge of the village and has been passed down from generation to generation since the Middle Ages. Those with the name carry the same spirit of resourcefulness and forward-thinking that has solidified the Eckerd legacy since its beginnings.
Order DNA origin analysisEckerd: Where does the name Eckerd come from?
The last name Eckerd is most commonly found in the United States today. This is due to the large number of American settlers bearing the name who arrived in the country during the 19th century. Records indicate that German, Dutch, and Swiss immigrants all had this surname.
Today, Eckerd is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina. In Pennsylvania, the name is the most prolific in Lancaster County and Philadelphia County. In Ohio, the surname is most common in Montgomery County. In North Carolina, the name is most often found in Mecklenburg County.
The city of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, is home to one of the largest concentrations of this surname in the United States. Suburban areas of Cleveland, Ohio, are also known to contain a relatively high number of Eckerds.
Although the name is most commonly found in the US, there is evidence to suggest that the surname may also have spread to other parts of the world. Reports indicate that some Eckerds have been found in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Overall, the surname Eckerd can be found in many places within the United States, and other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Eckerd
The surname Eckerd is derived from several sources. It is most commonly found in Germany, where it originated as an occupational name from the Middle High German ecker, meaning “oak-tree” or “oaken.” The term was then united with the Middle High German term arde, meaning “a small farm or piece of land.” As such, the original surname Eckerd would have signified someone who was born or lived on an oak-farmed property.
Variations of the surname Eckerd can include Eckard, Heckard, Eckhard, and Heckardt. Other variations may result due to slight differences among dialects or phonetic preferences. In some cases, the surname may be spelled "Eckardt" and "Hecardt" in Germany, and Ekradt and Heckert elsewhere.
The plural forms of the name are Eckhardt, Eckardts, and Eckards. Other surnames that have evolved from the same origin are Eckerle, Eckhoff, Eckhold, Eckholz, Eckler, Eckstein, Eckstrand, Eckerling, Eck back, Eckersall, Heckerling, and Heckman.
Most of the variations of the name Eckerd are still used today in Germany, as well as other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Eckerd
- Bob Eckerd: Bob Eckerd was a pioneering leader in retail and pharmacy. He was the founder of Eckerd Drugs, and the father of over 3,000 stores and over 20,000 employees.
- Caroline Eckerd: Caroline Eckerd is a professional equestrian and has been competing for over 20 years. She founded The Eckerd Family Foundation and is currently a board member of the Gene Eckerd Charitable Foundation.
- Gene Eckerd: Gene Eckerd was a successful businessman and philanthropist. He started his career working in Eckerd Drugs and eventually owned the business. He founded the Gene Eckerd Charitable Foundation which focuses on providing grants to organizations that improve and enrich the lives of children and families.
- Adam Eckerd: Adam Eckerd is an American lawyer who focuses on employment and labor law. He is the managing partner of the Eckerd Group, a division of the law firm Gibbons Doborak.
- Rob Eckerd: Rob Eckerd is an American professional wrestler. He made his debut in 2010 and has been wrestling since then. He has won several titles, and has been featured on WWE RAW, IMPACT Wrestling, and other shows.
- Samantha Eckerd: Samantha Eckerd is an American actress. She has appeared on television shows such as “Friends,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Will & Grace,” and “Revenge.” She is also known for her roles in the films “The Duff” and “The Internship.”
- Anne Eckerd: Anne Eckerd is an American actress, best known for her roles in a variety of films such as “The War of the Worlds,” “A Little Bit of Heaven,” and “The Ant Bully.” She also had a recurring role in the television series “Private Practice.”
- Tom Eckerd: Tom Eckerd is an American politician and attorney. He served as a U.S. Congressman from Florida for four terms. He also served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate.
- Laurie Eckerd: Laurie Eckerd is a Canadian professional golfer. She competes mainly on the LPGA Tour and has won numerous tournaments. She was also the first Canadian woman to be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.