Surname Löcher - Meaning and Origin

Unlocking Ancestral Secrets with iGENEA DNA Test: A Personal Review of Uncovering the Löcher Lineage

In this review, I share my compelling journey of discovering my ancestral roots through the iGENEA DNA test. The test revealed my lineage and the origins of my surname "Löcher", while also helping me connect with relatives across the globe.

L. Löcher

Löcher: What does the surname Löcher mean?

The last name Löcher is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "locher" meaning "locker." The surname likely has several possible meanings. It could refer to someone who lives in a fortified town or castle, as "locher" also meant "bolt" or "lock." It could also refer to an official responsible for maintaining the keys to a castle or the gates to a city. The name may also indicate a locksmith or someone who was in charge of the locks in a castle or city.

The alternative spelling "Loehrer" is more common in some regions of Germany. This spelling likely originated from the dialect of the region and is derived from the same Middle High German word.

In more recent years, the surname Löcher has become more widespread and has been found as far east as Russia. In certain regions in North America and South America, the surname is also found.

Throughout its history, the surname Löcher has been used by a variety of people from towns, castles, and cities. It is a reminder of the strong Germanic identity of these places and the people who once lived there.

Löcher: Where does the name Löcher come from?

The surname Löcher is most commonly found today in Germany and other German-speaking countries, such as Austria and Switzerland. It is thought to have originated in Bavaria in the mid-14th century. The earliest record of the surname dates to 14th century, when it was first seen in the ancient German town of Weismain.

The surname has several possible origins. The first is that it derives from the German word “löcher” which means “holes” - suggesting that the name could have been used to identify someone who had many holes in their clothing. Alternatively, it could have been an occupation-based name which referred to a perforator, someone who made large numbers of small holes in materials like leather or parchment. It is also possible that the name was derived from the personal name Loher or from a place name such as "Löcher" in Bavaria.

Although the Löcher surname is common in Germany, it is also found in other European countries, particularly Belarus, the Czech Republic and Ukraine, as well other countries including the United States and Canada. The name is also popular in Brazil, where it is common among those of German descent.

Variations of the surname Löcher

The surname Löcher has several variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. One of the most common spellings is Löscher. Other variant spellings and surnames of the same origin include Lochner, Loescher, Loschner, and Locher.

The surname Löcher can be found in various countries, most notably Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and South Africa. In Germany, the surname Löcher is derived from the word "loch," meaning "hole," and is most likely a topographic reference to a hole in a landscape. In Austria, the surname is derived from the German phrase "auf dem löscher," which means "in the empty fields." The surname can also be found in Switzerland, and is derived from the word "lösch," meaning "extinguish" or "remove." In South Africa, the surname is derived from the German surname Löscher, which means "firefighter."

The variants and surnames of Löcher can also be seen in Jewish families. In the 1800s, many German Jewish immigrants adopted the surname Löscher which was derived from the Hebrew לשׁר, meaning "lion." There is also evidence that some Jewish families adopted the surname as a protective guise, as a way to protect themselves during a period of anti-semitism.

No matter the specific origin or spelling, the surname Löcher is a testament to the rich history of German and Jewish immigration. It is a reminder of the global connections of family and heritage, stretching across countries and centuries.

Famous people with the name Löcher

• Thomas Löcher, German physician
• Naomy Löcher, Swiss Miss Switzerland 2019
• Constant Löcher, Belgian football player
• Christopher Löcher, German football manager
• Klaus Löcher, German author
• Ernest Löcher, French World War I veteran
• Johannes Löcher, German composer
• Stephan Löcher, German politician
• Yannick Löcher, French artist
• Marius Löcher, German television presenter
• Karl Löcher, German philosopher
• Sven Löcher, German rower
• Christian Löcher, German footballer
• Falko Löcher, German actor, musician and writer
• Heide Löcher, German artist
• Falko Löcher, German actor, musician and writer
• Dirk Löcher, German biathlete
• Gert Löcher, Austrian architect
• Stefan Löcher, German Paralympic athlete
• Obed Löcher, German footballer

Other surnames

LöchelLocherer