The Muth Family Name (from Douglas Muth)

Submitted by dmuth on Sat, 2006-01-07 19:44. About Doug

(Note: I originally gleaned all of this information from another source a long time ago. I don't take credit for finding any of this information...)

The sure "Muth" is of German origin. It has been traced all the way to the first name of the father of the original bearer of the name as a surname. In this case, the name comes from the medeival nick-names of "Mut" and "Muth", which were abbreviations of the Old Germanic name "Muoto". The nick-name "Muth", in particular, was used for affection and endearment. Therefore, the surname came to mean "a son of Muoto". This served as a way of identification in the period before an actual hereditary surname system was established.

However, the name could have come from a nickname, such as that of a trait which was associated with a particular person. In this case, the name comes from the Middle High German word "mutschen", which could be literally translated as "to mutter, whisper". The earliest known record of the surename is in the "Zeitschrift fur deutsche Geschichte des Oberrheins" for a "Hartmundus dictus Muth" in 1312.

The surname was first introduced to America by "Johannes Muth" and his family who arrived in New York on board the "Zurich" on Janurary 26th, 1855. He was 45 years old at the time and a farmer.

Notable bearers of the surname include the 17th century mathematician, Gerhard Muth, the mathematician, Heinrich Ludwig Muth (1673-1754), and the Benedictine priest and educator, Placidus Muth (1753-1821).

Blazon of Arms:

Argent, two chevrons or, in a base, a rose gules.

Translation:

Argent (white) symbolizes the Moon and denotes Peace,
Obedience, and Sincerity. The rose, first cultivated by the Romans, is associated with Love and Beauty. The chevron (reversed "V") is representative of protection.