HURWITZ
Hurwitz
Origin and Meaning
Hurwitz is a Jewish surname of Ashkenazi origin. It is derived from the Yiddish word "hurvits," meaning horseradish. The surname likely originates from an ancestor who may have been involved in the cultivation or sale of horseradish.
History
The Hurwitz surname has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly in areas where Jewish communities thrived. Many Jewish families with the surname Hurwitz can trace their ancestry back to regions such as Poland, Russia, Galicia, and Hungary.
Notable Individuals
- Leo Hurwitz (1909–1991): American documentary filmmaker and critic known for his contributions to social and political documentary filmmaking.
- Isaac Hurwitz (1901–1992): British artist and painter known for his abstract and expressionist works.
- Joel Hurwitz (b. 1955): British physicist and researcher in the field of quantum mechanics.
Variants
Variants of the Hurwitz surname may include Hurvitz, Horwitz, Horowitz, and Hurvich.
Popularity
The surname Hurwitz is relatively uncommon but has a notable presence within Jewish communities, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States.
There are approximately 94 people named Hurwitz in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Hurwitz.