Last Name Herber

Learn more about the origin of the last name Herber

The meaning and origin of the last name Herber

The surname Herber is primarily of German origin, deriving from various places in Germany named Herber, such as in the Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia regions. The name is believed to have been originally occupational, derived from the Old High German 'heribari', meaning 'barley grower' or 'peasant farmer'. Alternatively, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a barrow or mound, as 'Heribertus de Monte' (Heribert of the mound) is recorded in the 12th-century Saxon charters. Over time, the spelling variations of the surname include Herberts, Herbart, Herberg, Herbertson, and Hervat, reflecting changes in pronunciation and regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Herber

The surname Herber is predominantly distributed across Europe, particularly Germany and its neighboring countries. It originates from the Middle High German "herber" meaning 'protector' or 'defender'. In Germany, it is most prevalent in regions such as Bavaria, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name also appears frequently in Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg due to historical ties with the Germanic region. Outside Europe, the name can be found among German diaspora communities, particularly in North America, where it is most common in countries like the United States and Canada. In the U.S., Herber is primarily concentrated in states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, which have a high percentage of German ancestry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Herber

The last name Herber has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these include Herbert, Herbertus, Herberts, Harbert, Harber, Hearbert, and Herbarte. These variations may have originated from regional dialects, misspellings, or attempts to Anglicize foreign names. The most common variant is Herbert, which is derived from the Old German name "Hervarth" or "Heribert," meaning "bright army." This name was popularized by various saints and holy men throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. The surname Herber/Herbert first appeared in England during the Norman Conquest of 1066, when it was brought over by Norman nobles.

Famous people with the last name Herber

Notable individuals with the surname Herbert include:

1. Sir Patrick Stewart, an English actor known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and X-Men film series.
2. Katharine Hepburn, an American actress, and producer, who won four Academy Awards for Best Actress – a record she held for almost 40 years.
3. Oliver Herbert, a British actor best known for his roles in the films Four Weddings and a Funeral, Finding Neverland, and The Queen.
4. Maya Angelou, an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences.
5. Steve Herbert, an American politician who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1977 to 2006. He was also the longest-serving state legislator in Wisconsin history.

Genealogical research on the last name Herber

The surname Herber originates from Germany, specifically the Rhineland region, where it is believed to have been derived from an occupational name for a brewer or keeper of a herd. Early records show that the name was spelled variously as Hertber and Herber during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Ritter Arnold von der Herber, who lived in the 13th century. The family spread to other parts of Europe, particularly Switzerland and England, throughout the following centuries. In England, the name was anglicized to Hearber or Herber. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Sir Richard Herber, a knight in Henry VIII's court, and John Herber, who served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1574. The Herber family also played significant roles in Swiss history, with members serving as politicians, lawyers, and military leaders. Today, the surname Herber is found predominantly in Germany, Switzerland, England, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Herber"
• 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 : 23 July 2025