Surname Spohrer - Meaning and Origin

Spohrer: What does the surname Spohrer mean?

The last name Spohrer is derived from the German language, and is used as a surname in many areas of Europe. It is believed to come from the word "Spörrung," which can mean to gird, adorn, or put one's best foot forward. The German roots of the name also indicate it may have been used to describe one who excelled in dress or behaviour, and was well liked by others.

Spohrer is an occupational surname, typically used to describe individuals who worked in jobs related to the tar and pitch trade. It is believed that the name could have been derived from ‘Speerer’ – the Middle High German name for the pitch workers who heated and tended the tar-producing coal vats. Alternatively, the name might have signified someone who worked in the manufacture of torches, fireworks, or tapers.

In some contexts, the name has come to represent merchants or peddlers, who traveled from place to place selling goods. The word ‘Spohrer’ possibly derives from the Germanic word ‘Speer’, which means to peddle or hawk goods.

The surname Spohrer is found in records from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and many other countries in central Europe. Today, the name is prevalent in many areas along the Rhine region. As such, the name continues to carry its heritage of representing occupations in the tar, pitch, and peddling trades, as well as a reputation for excellence and good behaviour.

Spohrer: Where does the name Spohrer come from?

The last name Spohrer is most commonly seen in Germany, where it is an especially popular surname in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It is also found in Austria, though in less significant numbers.

In the United States, the name Spohrer is still relatively uncommon. Official records from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that fewer than 150 individuals holding the surname resided in the United States as of 2019. These individuals are mostly concentrated in Texas, South Carolina, and California.

Given its Germanic origins, the surname Spohrer is likely originally derived from the Germanic personal name Speher, which means “hawksmith”. Through the process of migration and assimilation into other cultures, the name has altered over the centuries.

Overall, the Spohrer surname is seen most prevalently in Europe, with fewer individuals bearing the surname in the United States. It is likely that more individuals from a Germanic background have adopted the name throughout the centuries as a form of cultural preservation.

Variations of the surname Spohrer

The surname Spohrer is of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic root word spore, which means “to descend” or “descendant”; hence, one who descended from or was related to the original bearer of a particular family name.

Variants of the name Spohrer include Sporer, Spehrer, Spohr, Spoor, Spoorer, Spoer, Spehr, Spohrermann, Spohren, Sprauer, and Sporrer.

The spelling of the name Spohrer can vary due to dialect and regional pronunciation of the original German name. It can also be spelled as Spöhrer, Spoerer, Spoher, Spohle, Spehler, Sporrer, or Spehrer.

Surnames of the same origin as Spohrer include Specher, Spiker, Speer, and Spiker.

Ultimately, the surname Spohrer derives from a Germanic word which translates to “descendant” and has many variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Spohrer

• Robert Spohrer: Former US Navy submarine commander and current University of Florida ROTC department head.
• Simeon Spohrer: German author and journalist who wrote extensively on topics such as history, art, and philosophy.
• Henry Spohrer: German-born American World War II veteran who later worked as an artist, poet, and teacher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• Nathaniel Spohrer: American author and artist who wrote a series of books about his experiences as an infantryman during the Battle of the Bulge.
• Kitty Spohrer: German-born American silent movie actress who had notable roles in the films 'The Marriage Circle' and 'Tumbleweed'.
• Jimmy Spohrer: Former professional American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for almost three seasons.
• Martin Spohrer: German art historian and critic who published a number of books on topics related to modern art history.
• Charles Spohrer: German botanist and zoologist who published extensively on topics such as plant biology, marine biology, and evolution.
• Harry Spohrer: American cinematographer notable for his work in early Hollywood films such as 'The Black Pirate' and 'The Iron Mask'.
• Joseph Spohrer: German physicist and academic who is noted for his work on the theory of relativity.

Other surnames

SpohrSpöhrle