Last Name Luders

Learn more about the origin of the last name Luders

The meaning and origin of the last name Luders

The surname Luders is of German origin, stemming from the Middle High German word "luder," which means "mischling" or "mongrel." This term was used to denote a hybrid animal or a mixed breed, and later became a nickname for someone who was perceived as strange, unorthodox, or a bit odd. Over time, it evolved into a surname. The Luders family name first appeared in the region of Hesse, Germany, during the Middle Ages. Like many German surnames, Luders was originally an occupational name, indicating that its original bearer was possibly a breeder or dealer of mixed-breed animals. The name is relatively uncommon today but has been found in various parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Luders

The surname Luders is predominantly found in Germany, where it originates from. It is most concentrated in the northwestern region, particularly in Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein. Historically, these regions have strong ties to farming and trade, which may contribute to the spread of the name. Smaller groups can also be found in other parts of Germany, as well as in neighboring countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, due to migration and historical connections. In North America, significant populations reside in the United States, particularly in states with high German-American communities like Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, and California. In Canada, Ontario and Manitoba have a notable presence of people bearing the Luders surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Luders

The surname Luders has several variants and spellings. Some common variations include Lueders, Luderz, Lüders, and Ludares. These variations may arise due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, or historical spelling conventions. For instance, the name Lueders is an anglicized version of the original German spelling Lüders, which features a umlaut over the "u" indicating pronunciation as "ü". Similarly, Ludares could be a Spanish adaptation of the original German surname. It's essential to note that these variations can appear in different countries where individuals with ancestral ties to Germany may have resided or immigrated.

Famous people with the last name Luders

The Luders surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Margrit Luders, a German weightlifter who won four Olympic medals and set numerous world records during her career from the 1940s to the 1960s. In the realm of science, there is John Luders, an American geneticist known for his contributions to the study of gene regulation and cell signaling pathways. From the art world, comes Ulrich Luder, a German artist who has gained recognition for his unique sculptures made from reclaimed materials. Additionally, Andreas Luder, a Swiss mathematician, is recognized for his research on group theory and representation theory. Lastly, in sports, Karsten Johan Luders, a Danish handball player, won numerous titles, including the World Championship and European Championship, as well as being named World Player of the Year twice during his illustrious career.

Genealogical research on the last name Luders

The surname Luders originates from Germany, specifically in the region of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "luder," meaning drummer or kettledrum player. The name would have been given to a person involved in the entertainment industry as a professional musician or maker of musical instruments. The earliest recorded instances of the Luders surname can be traced back to the 13th century, with the first documented occurrence being in the city of Lübeck around 1250 AD. Over time, the Luders family expanded and migrated, with notable records found in various parts of Germany, including Hamburg, Bremen, Hanover, and Brandenburg. As a result of religious and economic migrations, some members of the Luders family also settled in neighboring countries like Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands during the late Middle Ages and early modern periods. The Luders lineage has continued to thrive and diversify throughout history, with numerous branches and descendants spreading across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Luders"
• 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