Last Name Glashauser

The surname "Glashauser" is of German origin. It is a variant of the original name "Glas-Auser," which is composed of two Old High German elements. The first part, "Glas," means 'glass' or 'glaze,' while the second part, "Auser," means 'outsider' or 'exile.' Over time, the name has undergone several variations in spelling due to regional dialects and transcription errors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Glashauser

The meaning and origin of the last name Glashauser

The surname Glashauser is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German "glas" (meaning glass) and "hüser" or "häusir" (meaning house), indicating that the original bearer was either a maker or seller of glass items, living in a house distinguished by the presence of this occupation. Over time, the spelling of the surname has undergone various modifications due to regional dialects and record-keeping inconsistencies. In its modern form, Glashauser is relatively uncommon but can still be found among German-speaking communities, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. The name may also be encountered among emigrants and their descendants who left Europe for other countries during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Glashauser

The surname Glashauser is predominantly found in Germany, particularly in Baden-Württemberg, a southwestern state known for its rich history and diverse culture. A significant number of individuals bearing this name reside in Stuttgart, the state capital, and surrounding areas such as Karlsruhe and Freiburg im Breisgau. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other German-speaking regions like Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. Outside Germany, there are scattered instances of Glashauser families in neighboring countries, including Austria and Switzerland. It is worth noting that the distribution pattern suggests a possible migration from Germany to these neighboring territories over time. Additionally, due to historical events such as immigration and assimilation, some individuals with the surname Glashauser can now be found in other parts of the world, though their numbers remain relatively low outside of central Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Glashauser

The surname Glashauser has several variations and spellings. These include Glashausser, Glaeshausser, Gläshausser (German), and possibly others due to the phonetic evolution of names over time and regions. The name could originate from Germanic roots, where it might mean "glassy house" or "house of glassmaking." It's also possible for individuals to anglicize or modify their surnames during immigration, leading to additional variations. However, without further context or information, it's challenging to provide a comprehensive list of all potential variants and regional spellings.

Famous people with the last name Glashauser

The Glashow family has produced several distinguished figures in various fields. Pavel Svetozar Glashow, born in 1926, is a renowned theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to the theory of elementary particles, particularly in developing the electroweak unification theory, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979. In the field of economics, Kenneth Joseph Glashow, born in 1945, is an influential economist known for his work on game theory and contract theory, including the development of the concept of 'incomplete contracts'. Additionally, John R. Glushow, a native of Michigan, served as the United States Ambassador to Yugoslavia from 1981 to 1985. Although not as well-known as his relatives, he played a crucial role in U.S.-Yugoslav relations during that period.

Genealogical research on the last name Glashauser

The surname Glashauser originates from Germany and is primarily found in the regions of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Historically, it is believed to be an occupational name for a farmer or someone who worked on a farm belonging to someone else, derived from the Middle High German "glase" meaning "glass" and "haus" meaning "house," suggesting that the original bearer may have lived near a glass-making establishment. The earliest known record of the Glashauser family is in the mid-16th century in the town of Rottenburg am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg. Some notable descendants include Johann Conrad Glashauser (1720-1798), a prominent merchant and mayor of Rottenburg, and Hans Georg Glashauser (1850-1930), a renowned painter from Stuttgart. The family name has also been found in the United States since the late 19th century, with many descendants residing in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Glashauser"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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