Surname Koberger - Meaning and Origin

Koberger: What does the surname Koberger mean?

The last name Koberger is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word ‘kouber’ meaning ‘merchant’. It is thought to have been adopted as an occupational name for medieval merchants and traders. Alternatively, the name could be derived from the Middle High German word ‘kouf’ meaning ‘barter exchange’, making it an occupational name once again, referring to someone from the same profession.

The particular spelling of the name ‘Koberger’ suggests the family were linked to one particular area or village and, as the oldest recorded spelling refers to the settlement of Kaleb in modern-day Bavaria, it is likely the original Koberger’s were from that region. The roots of the family are likely to have been firmly established there and, although the name appears to have become sparse in the area over time, records indicate that the Koberger’s were still present until at least the 18th century.

Today the name is mainly associated with Europe and certain parts of America, where it is assumed the Koberger family emigrated to in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although Koberger is not a particularly common name it is still visible in certain areas with a few hundred members of the family alive today.

Koberger: Where does the name Koberger come from?

The last name Koberger is most commonly found in the United States, especially in the Midwestern states such as Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. Additionally, the name Koberger can be found in other countries such as Canada, Germany, Austria, Israel, and Poland.

The origin of the last name Koberger is German and there is evidence that it was used in the late 16th century. It is most likely derived from the German word “kobel” which means a house or building. Since the Koberger name was originally found in Germany and Austria, it would make sense that many of the current Koberger families in the United States are the descendants of the original German and Austrian immigrants who came to the United States in the late 19th century.

In the United States, the surname Koberger is most commonly found in the Midwest, especially the states mentioned before. This could be because many of the German and Austrian immigrants settled there due to the availability of work and the general atmosphere of the area.

The Koberger name is, however, still found in other countries such as Canada, Germany, Austria, Israel, and Poland where many of the original immigrants and their descendants settled. Today, the Koberger name continues to be found in each of these locations, however, the most populace of Koberger families is still found in the United States.

Variations of the surname Koberger

The surname Koberger is believed to be of German or Jewish origin and is found in various countries throughout the world. Variations of this surname include Koeberger, Koeberle, Koberle, Koberger, Koerker, Koberger, Koeberger, Köberger, Köberle, Köbler, Köblerger, Köbll, Köblergart, Kuberger, Kuberle, and Kuebler.

In Germany, this surname is especially prevalent in the Bavaria and Hessen regions. It is also found in the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Northern Italy, and the Czech Republic. In the United States, Koberger is most commonly found in Pennsylvania.

In some cases, the name has undergone a shift in spelling in different countries with Koebler and Kübler sometimes being used in Germany, Kuebler in Switzerland, Kuebler in Austria, Kueblar in Hungary, Kuebler in Northern Italy, and Coeberger, Coberger, and Coburger in America.

As with many surnames, this one has evolved over time and, in some cases, is pronounced differently by different speakers. For example, in Southern Germany, the surname is pronounced koh-BAIR-guhr, and in other parts of the German-speaking world it is pronounced koh-BER-ger. In Austria and South Tyrol, the surname is usually pronounced ka-BAIR-guhr.

Famous people with the name Koberger

• Rupert Koberger: Austrian journalist and editor of the country's leading news magazine, Profil
• Marcella Koberger: German businesswoman and entrepreneur
• Wolfgang Koberger: German soccer player and coach
• Johann Koberger: German printer and typographer
• Florian Koberger: Austrian serial entrepreneur and venture investor
• Friedrich Koberger: German classicist, humanist, and writer
• Joseph Koberger: Austrian architect
• Gregor Koberger: German musician and producer
• Claudia Koberger: Swiss alpine skier
• Johannes Koberger: German woodcut artist

Other surnames

Koberg