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Last Name Locher

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What is the origin of the last name Locher?

The surname Locher is of Swiss origin. It comes from a place name, specifically locations named "Locher" found in several regions of Switzerland such as Aargau and St. Gallen. The name likely derives from the Old High German word "loca," meaning "place of swampy ground." Over time, it became a hereditary name for people living near or originating from these locations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Locher

The meaning and origin of the last name Locher

The surname Locher is primarily of Swiss German and French-speaking Swiss origin, stemming from either the Middle High German word "loch" or the Old French word "loc," both meaning "lake" or "pool." The name could have been originally occupational for someone who lived near a lake or water body, or it could be topographic, indicating a place with shallow water or marshy land. Alternatively, it could be habitational, originating from various places named Locher in Switzerland and France. Over time, variations such as Lochert, Lockart, and Locke have emerged due to phonetic spelling changes and migrations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Locher

The surname Locher is predominantly found in Switzerland, where it originates and has a high concentration. In particular, it is most common in the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Solothurn, Thurgau, and Zug. The name also appears with lesser frequency in Germany, Austria, and Italy, neighboring countries of Switzerland. Additionally, small numbers of individuals bearing the surname Locher can be found in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, due to migration waves from Switzerland over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Locher

The surname Locher has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional pronunciation. Some of these include Locherer, Lohcher, Locher, Lockher, Lucher, Luchere, Locker, Lokker, and Lockhur. These variants may be found across various countries where the name originated or was adapted from German-speaking regions. In Germany, the name is derived from occupations related to waterways, such as 'Locher' meaning canal worker or 'Locker' meaning locksmith. The name Locher can also be a diminutive form of various given names that end in -loch, like Adalloch (noble loch) or Widiloch (widu's loch). These variations serve as reminders of the surname's historical roots and the cultural influences that shaped its evolution over time.

Famous people with the last name Locher

Notable individuals with the surname Locher include:

1. Adolf Locher (1923-2016), a Swiss ice hockey player who competed in the 1948 Winter Olympics.

2. Cédric Locher (born 1977), a Swiss actor known for his roles in films such as "Das Schloss" and "L'Etudiant Fermé."

3. Daniel Locher (born 1964), a Swiss operatic baritone who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, and La Scala.

4. Hans Locher (1897-1957), a Swiss painter associated with the Dada movement.

5. John Locher (born 1960), an American photojournalist who won a Pulitzer Prize in 2017 for his coverage of the Las Vegas Strip shooting.

6. Lukas Locher (born 1995), a Swiss professional ice hockey player currently playing for HC Davos in the National League.

7. Manuela Locher (born 1982), a Swiss rifle shooter who has competed in three Olympic Games.

8. Paul Locher (1883-1960), an American baseball player who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the early 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Locher

The Locher surname originates from Switzerland and is believed to have derived from various topographical locales bearing the same name. The earliest records of the Locher family can be traced back to the canton of Aargau in the 13th century. Notable branches of the Locher family include those who migrated to Germany, Austria, and various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages. In the 16th and 17th centuries, some Lochers moved to Switzerland's neighboring regions like Alsace (now France) and Baden-Württemberg (Germany). During the late 1800s, many Swiss Lochers immigrated to North America, particularly to the United States and Canada. Notable Locher descendants include artist Fritz Locher and inventor Ernst Locher. Genealogical research suggests that the Locher family tree is extensive and has a rich history spanning multiple continents.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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