Hirschi

Hirschi is a surname of Germanic origin, commonly found in Switzerland and other German-speaking regions. It is typically considered a regional or diminutive form related to the name Hirsch, which means “deer.” The -i ending is a feature of some Swiss German variants and may reflect historical naming practices such as diminutives, nicknames, or toponymic origins. Over time, bearers of the name have migrated to other countries, including the United States.

Notable individuals with the surname include Travis Hirschi (1935–2017), an American criminologist renowned for his work on social control theory. Hirschi’s research emphasized the role of social bonds—attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief—in deterring delinquency. His influential book Causes of Delinquency, published in 1969, helped shape contemporary understandings of juvenile crime and preventive approaches within criminology.