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Last Name Drebes

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What is the origin of the last name Drebes?

The last name Drebes is of German origin. It is derived from a place name called "Dreba" in Saxony, Germany. The name is thought to have been originally given to someone who lived near this location, or was from this particular village. Over time, the spelling has evolved and variations such as Dreibusch, Drebesius, and Drebe are also found.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Drebes

The meaning and origin of the last name Drebes

The surname Drebes is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "dreben," which means to thrash or beat with a stick. Over time, this occupational name has evolved to denote someone who worked as a thrasher or reaper of grain. As surnames first emerged during the High Middle Ages, they were often related to one's profession, place of origin, or personal characteristics. The spelling of the name can vary slightly across different regions and historical periods, with forms such as Drebesche, Dreibes, and Dröbes also found. Today, the name is primarily found among German speakers, although it has been adopted by individuals from other linguistic backgrounds due to migration or assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Drebes

The surname Drebes is predominantly found in Eastern and Northern Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. It originated from the Germanic tribes who inhabited these regions during the Middle Ages. Over time, migratory patterns led to a scattering of the family name across parts of North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, with notable concentrations in cities like Chicago (USA), Toronto (Canada), and Melbourne (Australia). Although it is more prevalent in these regions, the Drebes surname can be found worldwide as a result of global migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Drebes

The surname Drebes is primarily found among individuals with German ancestry. Variations and alternative spellings of this name may include: Dreibes, Dreibs, Drebess, Drebez, Drebeis, Drebesse, Drebeiss, Drebezze, Drebess, Drebis, Drebeese, Drebeiss, Drebezz, Dreby, Dreiby, Drybes, Driebes, Driebsy, and possibly others due to phonetic differences and regional dialects. It is essential to note that the spelling of a name can evolve over time or vary based on transcription errors during migration. Therefore, it is not unusual to find slight variations of the surname Drebes among different lineages.

Famous people with the last name Drebes

The Drebes family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Dr. Gerhard Drebes, a German-born astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of radio astronomy. He served as director at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn and was instrumental in designing and constructing major radio telescopes.

In the world of sports, there is Chris Drebes, an American professional golfer. He won multiple collegiate championships while attending Stanford University and later turned professional. Although his career on the PGA Tour was short-lived, he continued to compete in various golf tournaments and became involved in golf course design.

Lastly, mentioning Jana Drebes, a German actress, known for her roles in popular German television series such as "In aller Freundschaft" and "Die Wache." She has also had appearances in various films throughout her career. Her work has earned her several awards, including the German Television Award and the Bambi Award.

Genealogical research on the last name Drebes

The surname Drebes is of Slavic origin, primarily found among German-speaking populations. It is a variant of the Slovene and Croatian surname Drabeš or Drabes, which derives from the personal name Drago-beš, composed of the Slavic given name Drago (meaning "dragon") and the diminutive suffix -beš. The Drebes family is believed to have originated in the regions of present-day Croatia or Slovenia during the Middle Ages, with early records showing variations such as Drabes, Drebesch, and Draebes appearing in German church and census documents from the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable figures bearing this surname include Johann August Drebes (1739-1824), a German engraver, and Friedrich Drebes (1850-1936), a prominent German sculptor. The Drebes family lineage has continued to expand across Europe, with significant populations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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