Eckhardt

Eckhardt is a surname of German origin, a variant of Eckhart. It derives from the medieval given name Eckhard (also spelled Eckard), which combines elements that are commonly interpreted as meaning “edge” or “sword” and “brave” or “hardy.” The form Eckhardt has appeared in German records since the Middle Ages and is borne by families in German-speaking areas and by descendants of emigrants around the world.

In modern usage, Eckhardt is most common in Germany and among German-speaking communities in Austria and Switzerland, with smaller populations in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia. The name has numerous spellings, including Eckhart, Eckard, and Eckardt, and individuals with these variants may share genealogical origins.

Notable bearers of the surname have contributed across fields such as science, the arts, and athletics; in some cases, individuals are indexed under related spellings Eckhart or Eckardt. Meister Eckhart, a 13th–14th century Dominican friar and mystic, is a well-known figure connected to the broader family of Eckhart/Eckhardt spellings.

See also: Eckardt (surname), Eckhart, Meister Eckhart.