Surname Körst - Meaning and Origin
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Körst: What does the surname Körst mean?
The surname Körst is of German origin and is thought to be an occupational name for someone involved in trades related to orchards. In Germany, it was used to describe someone who grew fruit trees or sold apples. It is also possible that it could have referred to someone who had a knack for selling apples at the market, or who owned an apple orchard.
The word 'Körst' comes from the German 'kören', which means 'choose', 'assess', or 'sort out'. This is probably in reference to the act of sorting out apples by size and grade, which a person with this surname would have been responsible for doing. The suffix 'st' in Körst is a form of the German verb 'stellen', which means 'to put'. Together, the name Körst could be translated to mean 'one who sorts or chooses fruit', indicating the individual had a specific skill or occupation.
Körst is related to surnames such as Körner (grain), Körber (weaver), and Körtig (gardener), all of which involve certain trades or crafts. It is possible that the surname originated as a patronymic byname, similar to the Scandinavian patronymics ending in 'sen'.
Körst is a rare surname and those with this name are believed to be descended from families who lived in the same area of Germany for centuries. Today, the surname continues to be shared by members of those families who have since migrated away from their ancestral home and settled in other countries, such as the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisKörst: Where does the name Körst come from?
The surname Körst is most commonly found today in Germany, particularly in the eastern region of Bavaria. This region is home to a large Bavarian-speaking population, and the language is closely related to German. The surname Körst likely originated in Bavaria, and the family may have descended from a prominent medieval clan. The surname has since spread throughout Germany, as well as to Austria, Switzerland, and other European countries. The name is also found in various parts of the United States, including Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.
The name Körst can be traced back to the middle Ages and likely derived from the root word "Kor", which means helmet or, more broadly, armor. This suggests a possible military or noble origin for the family name. It is also possible that it is derived from the Old High German "Kort", meaning short. The name could thus refer to someone who is short or small in stature.
Today, the surname Körst is still relatively popular in Germany, with more than 16,000 people bearing the name. It is also scattered throughout various parts of Europe, as well as the United States. As with many European names, its meaning may now be lost to time, but it still continues to be carried on by those who bear it.
Variations of the surname Körst
Körst is an uncommon surname of old Germanic origin, with variants such as Körster, korst, Korst, Korstjens, Courst, Kurst, Coursty, Körsty, and Körtsty.
Each of these spellings are in use today and can be found in different countries. Körst is the most common spelling, and it is used predominantly in Germany. Körster is most commonly found in the Netherlands, while Kurst and Coursty are primarily found in the United States.
Körst is derived from the Medieval German word korsten, meaning "branch" or "smaller branch of a family," and it is likely a toponymic name to indicate someone who resided near a small stream or branch. This surname was likely first used by the Dutch or German people who settled in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other parts of Europe.
The variants of Körst are also typically associated with the same origin. The Körster variant is associated with Northern Germany, while the variants of Körtsty and Coursty are thought to have originated in Southern Germany.
In the United States, Kurst and Courst are also prominent spellings of the surname, mainly among German American migrants who arrived in the American colonies during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Therefore, the surname Körst has many variants in use in different countries. These variants are all of the same origin, deriving from the same Medieval German word and originally indicating someone who lived near a small stream or branch.
Famous people with the name Körst
- Petra Körst: A German actress who has appeared in movies such as 'Good Bye, Lenin!' (2003) and 'Soul Kitchen' (2009).
- Oliver Körst: A German journalist, author and magazine editor. He has written extensively about the global economy, corporate structures and financial markets.
- Franz Körst: A German musician and composer, known for his works in hip-hop, electronic and classical music.
- Jutta Körst: A German dancer and choreographer, active in both modern and traditional dance forms.
- Martin Körst: A German musician, known for his work with bands such as K.I.Z., Erobique and Die Ärzte.
- Uwe Körst: A German architect and urban planner, best known for his work in the Modernist style.
- Stefan Körst: A Swiss ski racer, competing regularly in the Alpine World Cup.
- Gernot Körst: A German geomorphologist, specializing in studying mountain and Polar landscapes, particularly in the Alps.
- Andrea Körst: A German dress designer, creating bespoke clothing and accessories.
- Claudia Körst: An Austrian businesswoman, active in the world of international trade and finance.