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Last Name Bührer

What is the origin of the last name Bührer?

The surname Bührer is primarily found in German-speaking countries such as Germany and Switzerland. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "büro," which means office or bureau. Over time, the name has been spelled in various ways, including Bühler, Buhlert, Bühring, and Bührer. The name was often given to individuals who worked as scribes, notaries, or other officials associated with administrative work. However, it's important to note that surnames were not adopted consistently across Europe until the late Middle Ages, so the exact origin of a specific family line may vary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bührer

The meaning and origin of the last name Bührer

The surname Bühler (also spelled Bührer) is of German origin, derived from various geographical locations that share this name. It can be traced back to places named "Bühl" or "Bühler" in Germany, which are toponyms indicating a hill or mound. The surname was often given to people who lived near such settlements or landmarks. Over time, the spelling of the name has been subject to regional variations and personal preferences. In some instances, it evolved into Bührer due to phonetic changes or dialectical influences. The name is relatively common in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and among German-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bührer

The surname Bühler is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly in Switzerland and Germany. In Switzerland, it is most frequent in the cantons of Aargau, Zürich, and Bern, where it originated from the medieval city of Büren an der Aare in Canton Bern. The name also appears frequently in the neighboring German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Additionally, there are significant populations with the surname Bühler in Austria, Liechtenstein, and South Tyrol (Italy). Beyond Europe, diaspora communities carrying this last name can be found in various parts of the world, primarily due to migration from Switzerland and Germany during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bührer

The surname Bühler has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variants include Buher, Bohrer, Behler, Beyeler, Byler, Buyer, and Buyler. These variations may arise from factors such as phonetic spelling changes, linguistic drift, or errors during migration records. The original German surname is derived from occupations related to beekeeping (Bienenzüchter) or dwellers near a beehive (Beihäuler). It can also be associated with the Old High German word "bihalari," meaning "bee keeper." These variations reflect historical changes in orthography and pronunciation, highlighting the diverse origins and migrations of individuals bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Bührer

Notable individuals with the surname Bühler include:

1. Johannes Bühler (1839-1920), a Swiss zoologist and anthropologist, known for his work on animal behavior and as one of the first to use the term "ethnology."

2. Robert Bühler (1897-1975), a German jurist who served as President of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany from 1954 to 1961. He was instrumental in shaping the German Constitution and the post-war justice system.

3. Peter Bühler (born 1952), a Swiss actor, best known for his roles in films such as "Der Himmel über Berlin" and "Nicholas and Alexander."

4. Markus Bühlherr (born 1968), a Swiss politician who has served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council since 2020, representing the Swiss People's Party. He is responsible for finance and economics in the council.

5. Lukas Bühler (born 1993), a Swiss professional ice hockey player currently playing for EHC Kloten of the Swiss League National League A. He has also represented Switzerland internationally.

Genealogical research on the last name Bührer

The Bühler/Bührer surname is of Swiss origin, specifically from the German-speaking canton of Aargau. The name is derived from various place names throughout Switzerland, such as Bühl (meaning hill) or Buch (meaning beech tree). The earliest known records of the Bühler/Bührer family date back to the 14th century in Switzerland. Notable figures with this surname include Johannes Bühlermann, a Swiss physician and philosopher in the 16th century, and Hans Bühlmann, a Swiss politician and president of the Swiss Confederation in the 20th century. The family's migration patterns show that many Bühler/Bührers emigrated to other European countries, such as Germany and France, as well as North America, including the United States and Canada, during the 19th and 20th centuries due to economic and religious reasons. Today, the surname Bühler/Bührer is predominantly found in Switzerland, Germany, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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