Last Name Endres

Learn more about the origin of the last name Endres

The meaning and origin of the last name Endres

The surname Endres is of German origin, derived from the given name "Ende," which means "end" or "goal." This surname was originally used as a nickname for someone who was short-lived, reaching an end quickly, or someone who had a specific goal or objective that they achieved. The first recorded use of the Endres surname dates back to the Middle Ages in Germany, although its precise origin remains unclear. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to variations in German orthography and migration patterns, resulting in alternate spellings such as Endress, Endries, and Endriss. Today, the Endres surname is most prevalent in Germany and other regions where German-speaking immigrants settled, including North America and South America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Endres

The surname Endres has a predominantly German origin and is most commonly found in Germany, especially in regions such as Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony. It also has significant presence in neighboring countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg due to historical migrations and cultural ties. In the United States, the distribution of the surname Endres is concentrated in areas with a high German immigrant population, particularly Wisconsin, Texas, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania. Small communities carrying the name can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, reflecting historical migration patterns from Europe to these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Endres

The surname Endres has several variations and spellings. These include Endress, Endreas, Endraes, Endray, Endrae, Endra, Endroe, Endro, Endrow, Endroos, Endruz, Endrus, Endruss, and possibly others based on regional dialects or transcription errors. The name may have originated from Germany, Switzerland, or Austria, where it is quite common. In Germanic languages, it is derived from the given name "Ende," which means "end" in Old High German, and "-rs" is a common suffix for surnames in these regions. It's important to note that spellings may vary due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or cultural influences throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Endres

Notable individuals sharing the surname Endres include:

1. Ernst August Endres (1883-1967), a German architect known for his work on the rebuilding of Frankfurt am Main after World War I. His designs, following the principles of the New Objectivity movement, are characterized by functional simplicity and clear lines.

2. Walter Endres (1904-1973), a German painter associated with Expressionism and the New Objectivity movements. He was a member of several prominent art associations during the Weimar Republic era, including the Novembergruppe and Darmstädter Sezession.

3. Adolf Endres (1865-1942), a German sculptor active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His most famous work is "The Fiddler," a statue that stands at the entrance to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

4. Hans Endres (born 1937), a German mathematician known for his contributions to graph theory, particularly in the areas of graph minors and minor-closed permutation groups. He is a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

5. Kurt Endres (1890-1946), a German architect who was active during the Weimar Republic and Nazi periods. His works often featured classical influences and were admired by both Adolf Hitler and Albert Speer.

Genealogical research on the last name Endres

The Endres surname is primarily of German origin, derived from the Old High German "Andri," meaning "man" or "mankind." It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked as a messenger or herald. The earliest known records of the Endres family date back to the late Middle Ages in the region of Swabia, Bavaria, and Thuringia, where the name was first recorded in the 13th century. The Endres family migrated to other parts of Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries, including Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark. The family later immigrated to North America, with the earliest records of the Endres surname in the United States dating back to the late 1700s. Today, the Endres family can be found primarily in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the U.S., as well as in Germany, Canada, and Australia. Notable individuals bearing the name include John Endres, a prominent American businessman and philanthropist, and Hans-Joachim Endres, a renowned German scientist and inventor.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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.
Last updated : 10 June 2025