Last Name Schocher

Learn more about the origin of the last name Schocher

The meaning and origin of the last name Schocher

The surname Schocher is primarily of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German word "schucher," meaning a shoemaker or cobbler. This occupational name was given to individuals who worked as shoemakers or whose family had been involved in this craft for several generations. The name can be found with variations such as Schuhmacher, Schuhe or Schuheiger, all having the same roots and meanings. Over time, it spread beyond Germany due to migration and assimilation, especially during periods of increased movement like the Middle Ages and later the Industrial Revolution. Today, individuals bearing the surname Schocher can be found in various parts of the world with a significant presence in countries that have historical connections to Germany, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Geographical distribution of the last name Schocher

The Schocher surname is predominantly distributed across Europe, with significant concentrations in Germany and Austria. According to familynameorigin.com, the name originates from the region of Swabia in southern Germany. In contemporary times, it is also found in Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Aargau, and in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as France, Italy, and Slovakia. The diaspora of individuals bearing this surname can be traced to various parts of the world due to historical migration patterns. For instance, there are communities with Schochers in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, among other countries. It's interesting to note that the distribution of the name appears to align with historical movements of the German-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Schocher

The surname Schocher can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical record keeping. Some possible variations include Schacher, Schoacher, Schochen, Schockar, Schocker, Schachter, Schachtner, and Schackner. These variations are often the result of slight alterations in pronunciation over time or different phonetic interpretations by scribes during the recording process. It is important to note that while these spellings may differ, they all likely originate from a common ancestor. The root word "Schocher" is Germanic in origin and is thought to have roots in occupational names for a butcher or someone who worked with leather.

Famous people with the last name Schocher

The Schocher family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Herbert Schoenberger Schocher, an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of number theory, particularly in the study of continued fractions and modular forms. Born in 1932, he received his PhD from Harvard University and later held professorships at Columbia University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Another notable figure is Paul Schocher, an American politician who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1967 to 1983. He was known for his progressive stance on environmental issues and was instrumental in the creation of numerous state parks and conservation areas. In addition, Yitzhak Schochet, born in 1945, is an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi who served as the Rosh Yeshiva (dean) of Torah VoDas, a prominent yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York. He is a respected scholar and author of numerous works on Jewish law and philosophy.

Genealogical research on the last name Schocher

The Schocher surname originates from Germany, specifically the Rhine-Palatinate region, where it is believed to have emerged during the late Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name is in the mid-16th century, with Johannes Schocher appearing in baptismal records from the town of Meisenheim. The name likely derives from the Old High German "Sohuhha" or "Sohuhi," meaning "son of Sochoh" or "Socho."

During the following centuries, members of the Schocher family migrated to various regions across Europe and later to other continents. In the 18th century, some Schochers settled in Switzerland, while others made their way to South America during the 19th-century colonization waves. The name also appears frequently among German immigrants who arrived in the United States during the 1800s and established communities primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Today, Schocher is a relatively rare surname, with its frequency being lowest in Western Europe and highest in North America. Variations of the name include Schacher, Schachner, and Scheucher, reflecting regional dialectal differences. Genealogical research on the Schocher family continues to uncover new connections and stories as more records become digitized and accessible online.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "schocher"
• 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 : 15 June 2025