Specht

Specht is a German and Dutch surname meaning "woodpecker" (from Old High German speht). The name was probably originally a nickname for a person with a long nose, a talkative person, or someone associated with the bird's behavior or habitat.

Origins and Distribution

The surname is most common in Germany, especially in the southern regions, and also occurs in the Netherlands. Variants include the English Speight.

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals with the surname include:

• August Specht (1849–1923), German natural history painter
• Günther Specht (1914–1945), German fighter ace in the Luftwaffe during World War II
• Karl-Wilhelm Specht (1894–1953), German infantry general during World War II
• Harald Specht (born 1951), German scientist and author
• Johann Georg Specht (1721–1803), German civil engineer and architect
• Bobby Specht (1921–1999), U.S. figure skater
• Léonard Specht (born 1954), French professional footballer
• Harry Specht (1929–1995), U.S. social worker and dean at UC Berkeley
• Doug Specht (1942–2025), Canadian football player