Surname Decher - Meaning and Origin

Decher: What does the surname Decher mean?

The last name Decher has Germanic origins and is derived from the Middle High German word “decker”, which literally means “roofer” or “thatcher”. It was originally used to refer to a tradesman who specialized in the installation, maintenance and repair of roofs. Over time, the name spread to various parts of Europe and now exists in different countries and languages, including France, where it is spelled “Dechères”, and Austria and Switzerland, where it is spelled “Dechser”. Some variations of the name, such as “Decker”, are still found in both continental Europe and the United Kingdom.

The name Decher is most often found in the rural areas of the Rhineland Palatinate, a German state located along the Rhine River, and the North Rhine-Westphalia, a western German state known for its plateaus and forests. It is most likely associated with people living in borderlands, or intermediate zones, between the various medieval German states and those established by the Prussian monarchy.

The Dechers are generally thought to be a people with a long-standing and proud history, likely reflecting their connection with the highly skilled trade of roofing and related crafts. The last name Decher is still quite common in its original areas of use, and is an important reminder of the heritage and roots that link many Dechers with tradesmen from centuries past.

Decher: Where does the name Decher come from?

The last name Decher is most commonly found in areas of Germany. The surname originated from an Old German word which means one that works with a spade or trowel. It appears that the surname first emerged in southwest Germany, specifically Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. From there, it spread to other parts of Germany, such as Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Outside of Germany, Decher is found in numerous countries around the world. People with this name can be found living in countries such as the United States, Canada, France, New Zealand, and Australia. In the United States, particular concentrations of people with this last name are in Ohio, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

The surname Decher has also taken on various spellings. It can be found with slight differences, such as Deecher, Decker, Decher, Deicher, and Dechers, to name a few. Many people with this last name also have some variation of the prefix "Van" attached, in countries like the Netherlands and South Africa.

The last name Decher is not particularly popular today, as the name is fairly uncommon in most countries. However, those who bear this name can take pride in the fact that their ancestors were among the earliest inhabitants of Germany and today they are part of a global group that has spread to many countries throughout the world.

Variations of the surname Decher

The surname Decher is believed to have originated from various places in Europe and is known by many different variants, spellings and surnames. In England it is known as Decher, Deeker, Deckser, Dekeser, Deker, Deckker and Decksher. In Germany, it is also known as Deckers, Dekers, De iconic, Deekers, Dekkers and Dechers. It is also known as Dekker in Scandinavian countries.

In France, the surname is known as Decer, Decaire, Decairer, Dechery, Deckaire, Degues and Deckers. In South Africa, variations of the name include Dekker and Deckers, and in the Netherlands, variations include Dechelair, Dekkers, Decquers, Dekkers and Deckelar.

In Austria, the name is spelled as Dekar and Decher. In the United States, the surname is known as Dechers, Deekser, Deckser, Deckers, Deeker, Dekker and Decher. In Canada, variations include Deckers and Dekkers.

In Poland, variations of the name include Dektere and Dekers, and in the Czech Republic, variations include Decher, Decker and Decer. Other spellings and variations of the name include Dekkers, Dekkersson, Deekers, Dechert, Decher, Dekar, Decars, Decarius, Deckar and Deckersson.

No matter what form the surname takes, the origin and spelling remains the same and it continues to be passed down through the generations.

Famous people with the name Decher

• Jürgen Deecher (born 1957), German politician
• John Decher (born 1943), American cartoonist, editor, and comic book writer
• Lee R. Decher (born 1936), American politician
• Richard Decher (1927–1999), American teacher, journalist, and politician
• Johannes Decher (born 1923), German, former East German politician
• Heinz Decher (born 1933), German professor, author, and editor
• Bob Decher (1917–2001), American artist and photographer
• Sabine Decher (born 1973), former German alpine skier
• Joseph Deecher (1853–1937), Major Major League Baseball player
• Henry Decher (1878–1948), American clergyman
• John Decher (born 1985), American soccer player
• Joe Decher (1863–1939), American baseball player and manager
• Heinrich Decher (1726–1809), Bavarian court painter and sculptor

Other surnames

DechendDechentDechert