Surname Eckert - Meaning and Origin

Navigating the Windswept Seas of my DNA: Unravelling Unexpected Origins of the Eckert Surname with iGENEA

My recently concluded iGENEA DNA test has been an unexpected journey into the past, revealing surprising origins of my surname, Eckert. My meticulous test results debunked the belief that I am of solid German lineage and instead traced my ancestors back to Scandinavia and even unearthed a strong Celtic connection on my maternal side.

U. Eckert

Eckert: What does the surname Eckert mean?

The surname Eckert is of German origin and it primarily derives from a personal name most commonly associated with the meaning "strong through the sword", taken from the old Germanic elements "ekke" (edge or blade) or "ecka" (corner, edge). It is considered a metonymic occupational name that possibly referred to a soldier or someone who made or sold swords. The name could also be topographic, describing someone living at a corner or sharp bend. As surnames evolved, the name Eckert might also have developed into a patronymic name, taken from the given name of a father or other ancestor. Like many surnames, the exact interpretation can vary and may not be fully known, as names often changed or were adapted over the years for a range of reasons.

Eckert: Where does the name Eckert come from?

The last name Eckert has roots in Germany and is of patronymic origin, meaning that it was derived from the personal name of a father. It is derived from the old Germanic given name Eckhardt, a compound of "ecki", meaning "edge" or "edge of a sword", and "hart", meaning "hard or strong".

As a surname, it spread across areas of German influence, including regions that are now part of modern-day Austria, Switzerland, and Prussia. During the periods of immigration from the 18th to the 20th century, the name also found its way to the Americas, particularly the United States where it became quite common among German-American communities.

Eckert remains most common in Germany today, but can also be frequently found in the United States. Other areas with noticeable counts of people with the Eckert surname include Austria, Brazil, and Canada. Despite its international presence, it continues to be most typically associated with German-speaking territories.

Variations of the surname Eckert

The surname Eckert is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German word "ecka," meaning corner or edge. Other variants of the name include Eckhardt, Eckhard, Ecker, and Eckart. The surname can also take other forms such as Ekkehard, Ekkehart, Eckehard, or Eckehart, which means strong through the sword.

Less common variations might include Eckerman or Eckersley, although these surnames may have additional or separate origins beyond simply being variants of Eckert.

The surname has also spread to other countries, often resulting in slight alterations of the name due to language and pronunciation differences. For example, in English-speaking countries, it may take the form of Acker or Ackert. Furthermore, in certain areas of Eastern Europe, it may appear as Ekert or Ekerth.

Over time and through familial branches, many people may have also chosen to modify or change their surname entirely, meaning there may be many other less obvious or recognized surnames that emerged from the original Eckert.

Famous people with the name Eckert

• John Presper Eckert: Known for co-inventing the first general-purpose electronic computer, the ENIAC, along with John Mauchly.
• Wallace Eckert: An American astronomer who pioneered the application of punched-card machinery for the production of astronomical and geophysical calculations.
• Bernd Eckert: A German athlete, specializing in the 400 meters hurdles.
• Lotte Eckert: A renowned German actress.
• Eckert Allan Wayne: An American writer known for his works on American folk history.
• Albert Eckert: A South Korean who was famous as the first non-Korean mayor of Seoul.
• Anton Eckert: A German politician, member of the Social Democratic Party and an active member of parliament.
• Alfred Eckert III: American investor and philanthropist, and former managing director of Global Fixed Income at GSAM (Goldman Sachs Asset Management).
• Charles Cyrus Eckert: Prominent American pharmacist and a three-term U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania.
• Robert Forrest Eckert: Former CEO of Mattel, Co-Chair of the Consumer Goods Forum.
• Maude Eckert: Australian former cricket player
• Konrad K. Eckert: American botanist.
• Tom Eckert: Sculptor and woodworker who is a Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University.
• Don Eckert: Former American football defensive back.

Other surnames

EckerEckerdEckerdtEckerlEckerleEckerleinEckerlinEckermannEckermeierEckersEckersailEckersallEckersbergEckersdorferEckersleyEckerslyEckersonEckerstorferEckerterEckerthEckertsEckertz