Surname Becher - Meaning and Origin

An Emotional Journey of Self-Discovery with iGENEA and the Surname Becher

Embarking on a journey of genetic exploration with iGENEA, I discovered the depth of my heritage linked to the surname Becher. This emotional journey changed my view of family, rooting me firmly in an ancestral legacy stretching back countless generations.

N. Becher

Becher: What does the surname Becher mean?

The surname Becher is of German origin, thought to have been derived from the occupational name "Becherer", which translates to "one who makes or sells beakers or mugs". Thus, it is assumed that the original bearers of the name were in the trade of pottery or perhaps metal-smithing, crafting drinking vessels during the Middle Ages. Becher could also have geographic origins in some cases, relating to the town of Becherbach in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. In English-speaking countries, the surname is often pronounced as "Beecher". Distinct families with this surname have been traced back to German and English ancestry showing that the name evolved independently in different regions. Regardless of the origin, those bearing the surname Becher have a connection to a history of craftsmanship and trade.

Becher: Where does the name Becher come from?

The surname Becher has multiple origins; it could be Jewish (Ashkenazic), derived from the Yiddish word 'becher' meaning 'beaker' or 'drinking glass,' potentially signifying a glassmaker. It is also considered a German occupational name for a baker or a cup bearer. Another possibility is that it originates from English or Dutch, referring to someone who lived by a stream or a beck.

Nowadays, the Becher surname is relatively common in Germany and Austria. In the United States, it is primarily found in Pennsylvania, likely due to historical migration patterns, particularly of German immigrants. Research also shows a significant population of people with the surname Becher in Israel; again, this could be attributed to the Jewish origin of this name. The worldwide distribution today is thus reflective of this historical and etymological background, marking this surname as notably international, although not particularly common in most places.

Variations of the surname Becher

The surname Becher has several variants and related surnames, often resulting from geographical spread and phonetic spellings. Some of the variants include Becker, Bekker, and Bechor.

Becher is an occupational surname, originating from the profession of a cupbearer or a person who makes cups. Therefore, it's also linked to similar occupational surnames from various languages and regions. The German variant Becker is also linked to the occupation of a baker.

Similar surnames include Beck, Becket, and Beckett, which may share a common etymology with Becher. Beker is another related surname of Dutch origin.

The alternate spelling of Bechor is Sephardic Jewish in origin. Betcher and Beecher are other variations found primarily in English-speaking countries. The surname Butcher may also be connected to Becher under the conjecture of phonetic spelling.

Beccher, Bechar, and Becar are some of the less common spellings. Another possibility is Baecher which is found among Swiss and Alsace-Lorraine German families.

While these alternate spellings and variants exist, to confirm relationships between these and the Becher name, genealogical research or DNA testing would be needed. Each surname has its trajectory, impacted by migration, local dialects, and cultural influences.

Famous people with the name Becher

• Johannes Robert Becher: A German politician, novelist, and poet, he was also an affiliate of the Communist Party. He served as Minister of Culture from 1949 to 1958 under the East German government.
• Bernhard Becher: Known for his collaboration with his wife Hilla Becher, he was a German photographer. Together they became one of the most influential duos in the history of photography.
• Hilla Becher: A German photographer who, alongside her husband Bernhard Becher, created a unique style of industrial photography.
• Erich Becher: A famous German mathematician, particularly known for his work in set theory.
• Josef Becher: An Austrian Christian Socialist politician. He served as Austria's Minister of Commerce from 1945 to 1953.
• Jan Jakob Maria de Groot: Also known as J.J.M. de Becher, he was a famous Dutch Sinologist.
• John Becher: An English aviation medicine specialist who is often credited as one of the pioneers in this field.
• Mary Becher: An Irish actress who is best known for her role in the TV series 'A Game of Thrones'.
• Ruth Becher: An Austrian politician of the Social Democratic Party and Member of Parliament.
• J.T. Becher: A famous British clergyman and a magistrate, known for his socioeconomic views.

Other surnames

BechererBecherleBechersBechert