Surname Kerscher - Meaning and Origin
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O. Kerscher
read moreKerscher: What does the surname Kerscher mean?
The last name Kerscher is of German and Swiss origin. It is derived from the German occupational name "Kerschner," meaning "a potter; someone who produces earthenware." The name originated in Central Europe during the medieval period, when people often took their surnames from their work or occupation.
Kerscher is an unusual but relatively common family name; records indicate that families bearing this name were concentrated in the German-speaking regions of Europe, with most Kerschers living in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The name can also be found in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia.
There is also evidence of a small number of Kerschers emigrating to America, as early as 1808. Most Kerscher immigrants to the United States hailed from Germany, though there were others as well, including Swiss and Austrian origins. It is logical to assume that other early Kerschers migrated to other parts of the world, settling in places such as South America, Australia, and Canada, among others.
To sum up, the last name Kerscher is associated with German and Swiss origins, and its meaning is derived from the German occupational name "Kerschner," which translates to a potter. Records suggest that the name is most common among Germans, Swiss, and Austrians, with a fewer number of known Kerschers having emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.
Order DNA origin analysisKerscher: Where does the name Kerscher come from?
The last name Kerscher is most commonly found in Germany today. In fact, the German language is the only language that this surname is found in. According to the website familynames.de, Kerscher is either of the most common surnames in Germany or the 30th most common last name as of 2020.
Additionally, surnames of German origin are a common theme among those of German heritage living in Central Europe, particularly in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Other countries with a large number of Kerscher surname holders include the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Kerscher is derived from the German word kerscher, which means 'cartwright' or 'wagon maker.' This occupational name most likely originated in medieval times and was primarily found in regions like Franconia and Bavaria.
The Kerscher surname has evolved over time, and today it is found in a variety of spellings, though the most common spelling remains with a “K”. Variations include Kirscher, Kersher, Kersh, Kershmar, Kershson, Kirschner, and Kircher, among others.
The Kerscher name is still primarily found in Germany. Its presence in other countries is likely the result of German immigrants who left their home country in search of better economic or personal opportunities elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Kerscher
Kerscher is a German surname that is often spelled various ways, including Kerscher, Kerschner, and Kercher. Some alternate spellings are Kercher, Kershner, and Karchner.
The German language evolved over time, with different languages and dialects used in different regions. This has resulted in an evolution of spellings that depend on the region of origin and other social factors.
In terms of variants, Kerscher is a diminutive of other German names, like Kersten and Körschen. These diminutive versions are often anglicized as “Kersch” or “Kersh”.
The most popular variation of Kerscher is “Kerschner”. This spelling is derived from the old German form of “Kerschmann”, a derivative of the old Germanic name “Ker”, which means “honor”. This form of the surname is still used in Germany today.
In the United States, the surname is also sometimes spelled “Kercher”. This spelling is found mainly amongst originators from the Pennsylvania and Ohio regions.
Over time, the name has changed slightly by region or country, but its origin remains the same. Other surnames which share the same root are Kerby, Kerner, and Kerten.
In Germany, the surname is still used in its most original form, “Kerscher”.
Famous people with the name Kerscher
- Arthur Kerscher: Austrian alpine skier who won four medals in two Winter Olympics
- Klaus Kerscher: German footballer who was part of the national team that won the European Championship in 1972
- Wilfried Kerscher: German Olympic athlete who competed in the Summer Olympics in 1972 in Munich
- Constantin Kerscher: German politician and a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany since 1946
- Alexander Kerscher: German footballer who played for Schalke 04, FC Basel and SV Wehen Wiesbaden
- Günther Kerscher: Swiss-German footballer who played for Switzerland in the 1954 World Cup
- Adolph Kerscher: Austrian cyclist who competed at the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics
- Johann Kerscher: Austrian-born entrepreneur who lived and worked in Australia since the 1950s
- Fernando Kerscher: Brazilian singer and musician who released several successful albums
- Martin Kerscher: German footballer who plays for Augsburg