What is the origin of the surname 'Heirless'?

Answer 1

This rare surname Heirless could come from one of these following origins.

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1.) It could be a variant spelling of English: Harless or German: Harless. For German, it is of unexplained etymology, but for English, its a variant spelling of (H)arliss, a nickname from Middle English earles 'earless', probably denoting someone who was deaf rather than one literally without ears.

2.) It could be of French origin, also as Heiress, an English version of French: héritière, which is also seen as nonfemale form French surnames Heritier, L'Heriterand others. The word Heiress means "a woman who inherits or has a right of inheritance, esp. a woman who has inherited or will inherit considerable wealth." Possibly a name for someone of that definition.

3.) It could be a variant of German: Heir, Irish: Heir, or English Heir. Irish Heir is probably a variant of Irish Hare or others, German Heir is probably a variant of German Hier, and for English Heir it is probably a variant of English Hair, English Hare, or Scottish Hair.

Answer 2

Heirless means having no heirs. I have never seen it used as a name, though.