Surname Verschuer - Meaning and Origin
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Verschuer: What does the surname Verschuer mean?
The surname Verschuer is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word verschuoren, meaning “to shut in” or “to close.” It was likely used to indicate someone who was responsible for closing a door or gate, such as a guard or watchman, indicating that it was an occupational name bestowed upon such individuals. The surname can also be linked to the Dutch verb verschuiven, meaning “to move,” and the Old High German verschuor, meaning “covered enclosure.”
In the early 1800s, the surname Verschuer was rarely found outside of northern Germany, but it since spread to the United States, Australia, Canada, as well as other countries across Europe. The spelling of the name has varied throughout the centuries, with some examples being Verschuer, Verschuur, Verschoor, Verschuir, etc. It has also been noted that in Germany, some individuals have retained the traditional spelling of Verschuer while others have adopted a Dutch spelling such as Verschuur.
The Verschuer family has a strong presence in Germany, the United States, and Australia. In the United States, many members of the Verschuer family trace their ancestry to German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania, Texas, Missouri, and other states. In Australia, some Verschuers are descended from laborers who were sent to the continent during the 19th century.
Today, the Verschuer name continues to be closely associated with immigrants from Germany and their descendants. As such, the surname has come to represent an enduring connection to German culture and heritage, as well as a unique look into the lives of early immigrants who built a new life in a strange and unfamiliar land.
Order DNA origin analysisVerschuer: Where does the name Verschuer come from?
The last name Verschuer is commonly found today in the United States and to a lesser extent, in Canada, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. The surname dates back to the Middle Ages and originated in Germany, where it is among the most common family names.
In the United States, the Verschuer family name is chiefly concentrated in California, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota in the Midwest. The largest population of the family is found in California, with the second largest in Pennsylvania. Minnesota has the third largest population, with scattered families throughout the other states.
The greatest number of individuals with this last name in the United States are of German descent, while those in Canada have French roots. There are also variations of the name, such as de Verschuer, Vershuer, and Verschueren in Belgium and Holland.
The origin of the Verschuer name can be traced to variant spellings of the Dutch “Vervoor” and the German “Verfuer”. It is thought to have signified higher power or court, signifying the warrior or judge. Over centuries, the name spread, signifying different branches of the original family. The original coat of arms feature five silver hearts surrounded by nine silver stars with two rampant lions.
The Verschuer family name has remained popular for centuries, and continues to be found in countries all over the world. While Germany still holds the highest population, the United States and Canada also host a significant number of individuals bearing this surname.
Variations of the surname Verschuer
The variants, spellings and surnames for Verschuer are Verchuer, Vörscher, Vörschuer, Vörschüer, Vörshuer, Vershuer, and Versschuer.
Verchuer is a variant of Verschuer and is derived from the Dutch language. This surname may also originate from the German occupational name for a messenger or courier. The spelling of Verchuer is usually used in the Netherlands and Flanders.
Vörscher is the German variant of the surname Verschuer. It is the most common spelling used in German-speaking areas. It is derived from the Middle High German word "fori" which means messenger.
Vörschuer is the German spelling of the original surname Verschuer which is believed to have been derived from the Middle High German word "fori" referencing a messenger. This spelling is mostly used in the German-speaking areas such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Vörschüer is a German spelling variant of Verschuer and is derived from the Middle High German word "fori," which means messenger. This spelling is mostly used in the German-speaking areas such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Vörshuer is a German spelling variant of the surname Verschuer which is derived from Middle High German word "fori" meaning messenger. This spelling is mostly used in the German-speaking areas such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Vershuer is a variant of Verschuer originating from the Netherlands and Flanders. The spelling is referred to as a Dutch spelling variant for Verschuer.
Versschuer is a Dutch spelling variant of Verschuer derived from the Dutch language. This variant of the surname is believed to come from the German occupational name for a messenger or courier. It is mostly used in the Netherlands and Flanders.
Famous people with the name Verschuer
- Otmar Freiherr von Verschuer: Otmar Freiherr von Verschuer (1896–1969) was a German geneticist who worked during the Nazi era. He was an enthusiastic representative of eugenics and was involved in or conducted experiments in concentration camps.
- Paul Verschuer: Paul Verschuer (1896–1960) was a German geneticist who conducted research in heredity and racial anthropology in the 1920s. He taught human genetics at the University of Berlin in the 1930s and was actively involved in the sterilization and "racial hygiene" programs of the Third Reich.
- Ralph von Verschuer: Ralph von Verschuer (1888–1963) was a Dutch-German lawyer who served as one of Nazi Germany's post-war Foreign Ministers. His tenure in office was marked by his vocal support for German reunification and his opposition to the country's defeat at the hands of the Allies.
- Frederick Verschuer: Frederick Verschuer (1879–1962) was a German physician and medical professor who was interested in the causes and treatment of infectious and mental diseases. He also contributed to the formation of eugenic policies in Nazi Germany.
- Willem von Verschuer: Willem von Verschuer (1865–1945) was a Dutch-German horse physician and the son of the first Dutch baron of the same name. He was a longtime friend of Adolf Hitler and was one of the first people to recognize the dictator's potential as a leader.