Surname Löscher - Meaning and Origin
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Löscher: What does the surname Löscher mean?
The last name Löscher is of German origin and is related to the German word “loschen” which means “to erase” or “to wipe out”. It is a topographic name, typically referring to someone who lived by a fire site or clearing. It is also a metonymic occupational name, referring to someone who worked as a wildfire supervisor (“Löscher” meaning “keeper”) or a fireman.
The surname is fairly common in German and Austrian-speaking countries, as well as in America of people of Germanic descent. There is no one definitive genealogical name history for Löscher, but it is believed to have been in use since ancient times.
It is also possible that people carrying the last name Löscher may also have derived from the German word “Lösch” which means “to extinguish”. This word finds use in many contexts, including the “Löschkommando” (literally “extinguishing team”). This was a voluntary firefighting crew, established in German towns during the Middle Ages to protect communities from raging fires.
In modern times, the name Löscher has come to be associated with firefighters and those actively engaged with fire safety. It also serves as a reminder of how every fireman is a hero in his own right, putting his life on the line in order to save others.
Order DNA origin analysisLöscher: Where does the name Löscher come from?
The last name Löscher is a German surname, derived from a place name originating from Middle High German language. It is still commonly seen throughout Germany today, particularly in the southern region. It is also seen in parts of Switzerland, Austria, and other German-speaking regions.
The earliest records of the name can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was seen in various records throughout Germany. In the 15th century, records show that Johann Löscher was the secretary of the city court of Brunn in Bohemia – a region now part of the Czech Republic.
Centuries later, large families bearing the name can be found in many states throughout Germany. The states with the highest number of Löscher families include Bavaria, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Thuringia, and Saxony. It is also seen in five regions in the United States, including Pennsylvania, California, New York, Ohio, and North Carolina.
Today, the last name Löscher is also seen in other countries around the world, including Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Brazil, among others. In each country, families bearing the name can generally be traced back to German immigrants who settled in these countries in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Variations of the surname Löscher
Löscher is a surname of German origin. In its various spellings and variants, it has been found in Germany, Austria, Holland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and the United States.
The most common variant of Löscher is Loescher. It appears to have originated as a variation of either "loschen" (an archaic term for "firefighter", believed to have originated in Middle High German) or the surname "Loscher". Pronounced "Ler-sher", this variant is also found in Germany, Austria, and the United States.
Other variants include the phonetic spellings Loetscher, Loetser, and Loetsche. Variants with umlauts include Löscherer, Lösching, Löschner, and Löschentaler. Other nearly-related surnames include Leser, Lehser, Leszar, Leschner, Lishker, Lishar, and Lischer.
The earliest references to the surname are found in Germany in the late 17th or early 18th centuries. The American version dates from the mid-nineteenth century.
Regardless of the spelling, the surname Löscher likely has a common ancestral origin. In addition, the name is fairly rare, so it is likely that some individuals with these spellings are related.
The original bearer of the name likely lived in or near the area of the city of Cologne, Germany, and it is possible that it was associated with the occupation of firefighting.
Famous people with the name Löscher
- Peter Löscher: former CEO of Siemens, businessman, and author.
- Florian Löscher: German politician, member of the Federation Council, and lawyer.
- Eric Löscher: Swiss tax expert and expert on international tax compliance.
- Irene Löscher: German politician and former Minister of Education in the German state of Baden-Württemberg.
- Mike Löscher: German professional soccer player who currently plays for SpVgg Greuther Fürth.
- Hans Löscher: former Swiss ski jumper who competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan.
- Christian Löscher: German physicist, considered one of the founders of solid-state physics.
- Paul Löscher: German football manager and former player.
- Volker Löscher: German artist and photographer, best known for his works that challenge the perception of photography as a narrowly defined medium.
- Johannes Löscher: German playwright and novelist.