Surname Dreiher - Meaning and Origin
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Dreiher: What does the surname Dreiher mean?
The last name Dreiher is of German and Jewish origin. It can be translated as either ‘three shepherds’ or ‘three fighters’ and is predominantly found in German-speaking countries. Historically, there are records of Dreihers being found in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Belgium, Austria and the Czech Republic. The surname has several variations nationwide, including Dreher, Dreihür, Dreherm and Dreiherr, to name a few.
There is no one definitive origin story, but many believe that the Dreiher name originated from the Middle Ages. During this period, shepherds were a vital part of the economy. It is believed that some Dreihers were named based on their profession, as the German word for shepherd is hür. Alternatively, some claim that the three in the name is a reference to the three men of a guild – a skilled trade organization popular during the early Middle Ages in Europe.
Regardless of its exact origin, the Dreiher name is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the German and Jewish people. In the face of oppression, wars and other adversities, those with the Dreiher name continue to honor their family’s history through pride and perseverance. Its meaning and story serves as a source of inspiration to future generations who strive to pursue their dreams and honor their family’s legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisDreiher: Where does the name Dreiher come from?
The surname Dreiher is most commonly found today in Germany, where it is particularly concentrated in the state of Bavaria. This is due to the fact that the name originated as a Bavarian nickname for a person who was the third in a group (drei meaning ‘three’).
The name is still relatively common today, with an estimated 1,300 people bearing the name currently living in Germany as of 2019; they are spread out throughout the country in states like Saxony-Anhalt, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony.
Etymological evidence points to the name being originally used by Germanic people such as the Franks, where the root dreiur meaning ‘third’ is found in Old High German.
As with many surnames, it could have also been adopted by non-German immigrants such as Poles and Czechs. Some evidence suggests that it may have even been adopted by Jewish immigrants moving into Central and Eastern Europe.
In addition, the name may have been adopted by family members of individuals who had already adopted it, such as Jewish converts from the Middle Ages who took Christian surnames.
Finally, the name is also found outside of Europe, with a small number of people bearing the last name residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and even Brazil.
Variations of the surname Dreiher
The surname Dreiher is derived from the German words "drei" and "her," meaning three army. Historically, Dreiher was an occupational name for someone with a position in the military. Variations of the surname Dreiher include: Dreher, Dryer, Dreer, Drayer, Drear, Dreier, Drehher, Drechsel, Drechser, Drechslein, and Drehus.
Some spellings of the surname may also appear with the letter "h" after the first letter, such as Dreor, Drehr, Dreherr, or Drepher. Additionally, there are surname variations with the letter "z" replacing the "h" at the end, such as Dreizher, Dreizel, or Dreizer.
Families with the surname Dreiher may also have adopted other surnames as a result of immigration or, in some cases, Anglicization of the name. Some of these surnames are Dreis, Dreiss, Dreese, Dresher, Dryse, Dryer, Dyse, Dries, Drise, Driss, and Drisse.
The origins of Dreiher as a surname stretch back to the late Middle Ages, although records of the surname being used by a single family are limited prior to the 16th century. The earliest records can be found in documents from the 15th and 16th centuries in Germany. During this period, variations of Dreiher were also found in other parts of Europe. For example, the surname Drehher was found in some documents in the city of Würzburg in Bavaria.
Regardless of the spelling, all instances of the surname Dreiher share the same origin.
Famous people with the name Dreiher
- Willy Dreiher: the German football forward (b. 1993).
- Harry Dreiher: an American silent film actor from Hollywood's Golden Age (b. 1880).
- Daniel Dreiher: a former Swiss ice hockey goalkeeper who played in the Swiss National League (b. 1979). 4.Paul Dreiher: a Dutch chess grandmaster (b. 1953).
- Dagmar Dreiher: a German artist, draughtswoman, and sculptress (b. 1933)
- Camille Dreiher: a French mathematician known for her contributions to the theory of rings (b. 1949).
- Lothar Dreiher: a German classical philologist, author, and professor (b. 1892).
- Albert Dreiher: an American artist, illustrator, and lithographer (b. 1878).
- Isidor Dreiher: an Austrian-born American physician and specialist in ear, nose, and throat diseases(b. 1891). 10.Edmund Dreiher: an Austrian law professor and political theorist (b. 1915).