The name Kirt is believed to have originated from the Old Norse language spoken by the Vikings and Scandinavian people during the 8th to 11th centuries. It is thought to be a shortened form of the name Kirkhart, which means "church brave" or "brave in battle for the church."

The earliest recorded use of the name Kirt dates back to the 12th century in Iceland. One of the first known individuals with this name was Kirt Thorvaldsson, a Norse explorer who accompanied Erik the Red on his voyage to Greenland in the late 10th century.

During the Middle Ages, the name Kirt was relatively uncommon but held a certain prestige due to its association with bravery and religious devotion. It was sometimes bestowed upon knights and warriors who fought in the Crusades or other holy wars.

In the 16th century, a notable figure named Kirt Eriksson was a prominent Lutheran pastor and theologian in Sweden. He played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation and the translation of the Bible into Swedish.

Moving into the 18th century, Kirt Jorgensen was a Danish naval officer and explorer who led several expeditions to Greenland and the Arctic regions. He was known for his detailed maps and documentation of the Arctic landscape.

In the early 20th century, Kirt Vonnegut was an American architect and the father of renowned author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. He designed several notable buildings in Indianapolis and played a role in shaping the city's architectural landscape.

Another well-known Kirt from the modern era was Kirt Russell, an American actor and former baseball player best known for his roles in films like "Tombstone" and "Silkwood." He was born in 1955 and had a successful career in both sports and entertainment.