Hirth

Hirth is a German surname that has become associated with aviation history through a former engine manufacturer. Hirth Motoren GmbH was a German company that produced piston aircraft engines in the interwar and postwar periods. The firm specialized in air-cooled engines, including two-stroke and four-stroke designs intended for light aircraft, gliders, and aircraft used by hobbyists. Hirth engines were known for their compact construction and favorable power-to-weight characteristics, and they saw use in a variety of small aviation applications before market dynamics and competition led to changes in production and corporate structure.

In addition to its industrial legacy, the name Hirth is borne by numerous individuals across different fields. As a surname, it appears in historical and contemporary contexts, including figures in engineering, aviation, academia, and public life. Because of its association with the early days of European light aviation, the name Hirth is often encountered in discussions of aviation heritage and the development of small aircraft propulsion.

Today, Hirth remains a historical reference within aviation history and collectible aircraft circles. The company’s former engines are of interest to enthusiasts and restorers, and the surname continues to be recognized in related biographical and genealogical contexts.