Surname Hardge - Meaning and Origin

Hardge: What does the surname Hardge mean?

The last name Hardge is largely assumed to be of Germanic origin. The earliest records of the surname appear as "Haardegge" in 1460 in the Mecklenburg area of Germany. However, it is likely that the name was spread even further afield through Germanic migrations in later years.

The name has been linked to a single root, 'harjid', which was an Ancient Germanic term used to mean ‘piously god-fearing’ or ‘blessed by God’. This could suggest hardships experienced by the descendants of the original Hardge family, as a way of displaying their faith. This is further supported by the fact that it is also recorded in records from the 18th century as a term of religious instruction and in sermon texts.

The surname has also been found as 'hardy', which suggests a meaning of what is strong or lasting, possibly a reference to the physical or emotional fortitude of the family.

Nowadays, those bearing the surname Hardge may have family roots that still extend back to Germany, or they may have picked it up during their travels. Regardless of the reason, the name itself is likely to be an indication of dedication and devise in the face of hardship or trials.

Hardge: Where does the name Hardge come from?

The last name Hardge is common throughout the United States, with concentrations in the southern states. The largest concentrations are in Texas, followed by Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Alabama. The name Hardge can also be found in other states throughout the U.S. including Colorado, California, Virginia, and New York.

In the past, Hardge was mostly a name concentrated in certain areas. Based on records of the 1900 U.S. Census, the highest concentrations of Hardge were found in the states of South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Hardge is a French name, with the earliest recorded use having originated in the region of Normandy. It is likely the earliest Hardges migrated to the United States during the time of the French colonization of the southern United States.

The name Hardge in the United States today is likely derived from those who arrived centuries ago, as well as African American Hardges who adopted the surname in the late 19th and early 20th century. The surname may also be derived from English Hardges, who were present in the region from the time of the American Revolution.

As such, Hardge is a name that has been present in the United States for centuries, with concentrations still found in its traditional regions. As the United States has become more diverse, the name Hardge has spread across the nation, though it is still most heavily concentrated in its original settlements.

Variations of the surname Hardge

Hardge is generally regarded as a variant of the surname Hardeg. The spelling of this surname has evolved over time and is found in many variations across many cultures.

The surnames Haridge, Hardage, Hardinge, Hardwicke, and Hardaker are all considered to be related to Hardge. In some cases, Hardge might have been an intermediate form of spelling between Hardeg and one of these other surnames. In other cases, these surnames represent distinct lineages of the same origin.

The surname Hardeg is also found in variants among European countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Poland. In Germany, it is sometimes spelled Hardig or Hardüg; in Austria, the spelling is Hardak; and in Poland, it appears as Hardzg.

The surname is not exclusive to Europe, however; Hardeg is also found in different parts of the world and other cultures. In the United States, for example, the surnames Hardi, Hardey, and Hardt are all variations of the original Hardeg. In South Africa, the surname is Hardegg. Additionally, Hardge is the origin of the surname Hardges in the Basque language.

There are some alternate theories as to the origin of the surname Hardge. Some believe it may be derived from the Olde English term for a ‘horehound’ or ‘marigold’, either of which is a medicinal plant. Others believe it might be derived from the Old German word ‘haro’, meaning ‘strong’ or ‘bold’.

Thus, in summary, Hardge is a surname with many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. This includes Hardeg, Haridge, Hardage, Hardinge, Hardwicke, Hardaker, Hardig, Hardüg, Hardak, Hardzg, Hardi, Hardey, Hardt, Hardegg, and Hardges. It is important to note that each of these spellings and surnames can indicate distinct and separate family lineages.

Famous people with the name Hardge

• Charles Hardge III: Former Major League Baseball player
• Viola Hardge: Actor and model
• Robin Hardge: Olympic athlete
• Lisa Hardge: Artist
• Kavin Hardge: Reality TV star
• Brandi Hardge: Grammy-nominated R&B singer
• Matt Hardge: Actor
• Avery Hardge: Actor
• Corelia Hardge: Cookbook author
• Kevin Hardge: NFL player

Other surnames

Hardgrove