Horst is a German masculine given name of Old High German origin, meaning "man from the forest," "bosk," or "brushwood." In modern German, the word "Horst" also refers to the aerie, or nest, of an eagle or other bird of prey. The name gained popularity in the first half of the 20th century but has since become uncommon and now carries a negative connotation as German slang for an unintelligent person.EtymologyThe name Horst derives from Low German words for "wood" or "thicket," evoking a rustic, forest-dwelling image. An alternative etymology suggests a possible connection to the Old English name Horsa, which means "horse" from the element hors. According to medieval chronicles, Horsa and his brother Hengist led the first Saxon settlers to Britain; Horsa is said to have died in battle against the Britons. However, the two names are phonetically distinct in modern German, and the primary etymology is the forest-related one.Notable BearersNotable people named Horst include German Luftwaffe ace Horst Ademeit (1912–1944), actor Horst Buchholz (1933–2003), footballer Horst Eckel (1932–2021, a 1954 World Cup winner), and artist Horst Antes (born 1936). The name also appears internationally, such as Canadian ski jumper Horst Bulau (born 1962).Cultural SignificanceOnce a common German first name, Horst has seen a steep decline in use since mid-century, partially due to the modern slang meaning of a dim-witted person. Consequently, it is rarely chosen for newborns today.Meaning "wood, thicket" or possibly derived from Horsa ("horse")Origin Old High GermanType Given nameUsage German