Last Name Kuckherm

The surname Kuckherm is of German origin. It is an occupational name for a person who was a cooper, that is, someone who made barrels and other containers from wood. The name is derived from Middle High German "küchermeister" or "Kuchenmeister", meaning "master coopermaker".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kuckherm

The meaning and origin of the last name Kuckherm

The surname Kuckherm is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kuchen," which means "to cook" or "kitchen," and "erm" meaning "farm." Historically, this surname was likely a topographical name for someone who lived near a kitchen or cooking area, perhaps at a farm. Alternatively, it could have been an occupational name for a cook or someone who worked in a kitchen. The spelling variations of the name include Kocher, Koher, and Köcher, reflecting the phonetic changes that occur over time in different regions. The earliest known recording of the surname dates back to 1273 in Germany, where it was recorded as "Kuchen" during the reign of Emperor Rudolf I. Throughout history, individuals with the Kuckherm name have made significant contributions to various fields such as art, science, and politics in Germany.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kuckherm

The last name Kuckherm is predominantly found in Germany, with a significant concentration in the western and southern regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Bavaria. This surname originated from these areas and has been passed down through generations. The migration of German populations to other countries, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, has resulted in a small presence of Kuckherm families in other European nations like Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. In North America, there are scattered instances of the surname in areas with high German immigration, such as the Midwestern United States and Canadian provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. It is less common to find Kuckherm families outside of these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kuckherm

The surname Kuckherm can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include: Kocherm, Kuckhirm, Kucherm, Kookherm, Koockherm, and Kukherm. These alterations may arise from slight changes in pronunciation, misinterpretation during transcription, or simply personal preferences when writing the name. It's also worth noting that if someone with this surname were to immigrate and assimilate into a different culture, the spelling could change further due to linguistic influences. For example, German-origin names like Kuckherm might be anglicized as Cookerm in English-speaking countries. However, the root of the name remains Kuckherm.

Famous people with the last name Kuckherm

Notable individuals with the surname Kuckherm include:

1. Andreas Kuckherm (b. 1963), a German politician who has served as a member of the Bundestag for Schleswig-Holstein since 2009 and was the Minister of Finance of Schleswig-Holstein from 2012 to 2017.

2. Max Kuckherm (b. 1985), a German actor who is best known for his roles in TV series such as "Tatort" and "Deutschland 86". He won the Bavarian Television Award for Best Actor in 2013.

3. Martin Kuckherm (b. 1965), a German businessman who is the founder and CEO of the SCHOTT AG glass manufacturing company. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operations globally.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields: politics, acting, and business. Their accomplishments demonstrate the versatility and success that can be achieved by those bearing the surname Kuckherm.

Genealogical research on the last name Kuckherm

The Kuckherm surname is believed to have originated from various regions in Germany. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was found in Lower Saxony in the late Middle Ages. Over time, numerous branches and variants of the Kuckherm family emerged due to migrations and local customs for spelling and pronunciation. Notable lineages include the Kuchheimer, Kuchelm, and Kückelmann families, among others. In the 17th century, some Kuckherms migrated to neighboring countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria. The Kuckherm family in America can be traced back to German immigrants who settled primarily in Pennsylvania during the late 18th century. Today, the global Kuckherm diaspora continues to expand, with significant populations found in North America, Western Europe, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kuckherm"
• 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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