Last Name Eber

The surname Eber has Germanic origins. It is derived from the Old High German "Eber" which means "wild boar." This name was often used as a nickname for someone who was thought to resemble a wild boar or had a fierce character. In some cases, it could also be an occupational name for a swineherd. The name has been spelled variously over the centuries including Eber, Ebbers, Eever, and Yebar among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eber

The meaning and origin of the last name Eber

The surname Eber is of Germanic origin, derived from an Old High German word "ebaro," meaning wild boar or bear, or from the Old Norse "jabbhr" which also means bear. This name was originally a nickname given to someone who was strong and fierce like a wild animal, particularly a bear. The surname Eber can be found in various European countries where Germanic populations settled, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is pronounced as "ee-bur" or "eh-bair." Over time, many variations of this name have emerged due to transliteration and regional dialects, including Auber, Eibner, and Eibers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eber

The surname Eber is predominantly of German and Jewish origins. In Germany, it is most commonly found in regions such as Bavaria, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate, reflecting its historical roots in these areas. In the United States, a significant number of people with the last name Eber originate from German immigration waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with concentrations found primarily in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and California. In Israel, a large percentage of individuals named Eber are of Jewish descent, having immigrated from Germany and other parts of Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, the surname Eber can also be found among Jewish communities in other countries like South Africa and Australia, due to further migration after World War II.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eber

The surname Eber has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variants include:

* Eiber
* Eibers
* Eeber
* Eebers
* Aeber
* Aeibers
* Aeeber
* Aeebers

These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions over time, transcription errors during immigration, or regional dialects. It's also possible that some of these variants are derived from other Germanic surnames with similar sounds and meanings, such as "Eberhard" (meaning "bold as a wild boar") or "Eberbach" (meaning "wild boar brook").

In genealogical research, it is important to consider these variations when searching for ancestors with the surname Eber. Using wildcard searches or broad searches of related names can help increase the chances of finding relevant records.

Famous people with the last name Eber

Notable individuals with the surname Eber include:

1. Dick Eberhart (1927-2005), an American poet who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1978.

2. Paul Eber (1498-1564), a German composer, hymn writer, and Lutheran pastor known for his contributions to the Protestant Reformation's musical tradition.

3. Walter Eberhard Eber (1862-1929), a Swiss naturalist and explorer who discovered several species of birds in South America.

4. Jack Eberth (born 1950), an American professional wrestler and actor, best known for his time with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as a manager and on-screen personality.

5. Joe Eber (1926-2007), an American beauty pageant coach who coached several Miss America winners along with his wife Ronnie Eaton-Eber.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on art, science, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Eber

The surname Eber is of Old High German origin, derived from the personal name Eberwine, composed of the elements eber (boar) and win (friend). The name was borne by several early medieval figures, such as Eberwin of Trier (died 977), Bishop of Trier, and Eberhard II (c. 840-939), Count of the Aargau and later Duke of Swabia.

The name has multiple variations, including Abeer, Auber, Aubert, Ebbert, Eberhart, Eberle, Eberling, Eberlin, Eberhard, Ebbers, and Eavreux, among others.

In England, the name was introduced during the Norman Conquest in 1066 by William the Conqueror's followers, including Godwin Eb(b)e, who is believed to be an ancestor of the English royal family. The name also appears in Scotland as a result of Scandinavian settlements in the region during the Viking Age.

Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the surname Eber have made significant contributions in various fields, such as politics, religion, and arts, including Pope Nicholas II (1054-1061), who was born as Gebhard of Ebersberg, a Bavarian nobleman.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Eber"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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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