The surname Seghers is of Dutch and French origin. It is derived from a variety of sources, including occupational names referring to a sexton or church caretaker, or a nickname for someone who had a hunchback, as "seghe" in Dutch means hunchback. In French, it could also originate from the personal name Segher, a diminutive of Sigisbert or Siegfried, which were Germanic names composed of the elements sigi (victory) and berht (bright, famous). The surname has been recorded in various forms such as Segers, Segar, Seegers, Segarces, and Seghert, among others.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Seghers
The surname Seghers is of Dutch origin, derived from the occupational name "Zeger" or "Seger," which means "judge" or "decider." It was originally a personal name and was later adopted as a surname. In some cases, it may have been a nickname for someone who was considered wise or just, similar to the English surname "Justice." The name's variation "Segers" is also found in Belgium and France. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen due to differences in transliteration, religious transcription, and regional dialects, such as Segar, Segher, Segear, and Seiger. The name became more widespread in the Netherlands during the Middle Ages, with notable bearers including the Flemish painter Jan Seghers (1590-1660) and the Dutch poet Adriaen Collierseghers (1626-1654).
Geographical distribution of the last name Seghers
The surname Seghers is predominantly found in Belgium and its Dutch-speaking region Flanders, with a significant concentration in West Flanders province, particularly in the cities of Bruges and Kortrijk. Its origins can be traced back to medieval times, possibly derived from the occupational name "Seger" or "Seghers," referring to a mason or stonecutter. Over time, variations such as Segers, Segar, Segerius, and Segeers also emerged. The name has also been recorded in small numbers in France, especially in the northern regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy due to historical ties with Flanders. In addition, immigrants bearing the surname Seghers can be found in various parts of North America and Australia, primarily as a result of emigration from Belgium during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Seghers
The surname Seghers has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common versions include Segers, Segar, Segerz, Seghersen, Seghersson, Segersson, Segher, and Seghert. These variations may originate from regional or historical dialects, errors during data entry or migration, or personal preferences in spelling. It's important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the specific family history and geographical location.
Famous people with the last name Seghers
Notable individuals with the surname Seghers include:
1. Marguerite Yourcenar (1903-1987), a Belgian-born French writer, best known for her novel "Memoirs of Hadrian." She was the first woman to win France's prestigious Grand Prix du roman de l'Académie Française in 1960.
2. Marie-Thérèse Rodet-Seghers (1890-1973), a French poet and translator, known for her surrealist works and translations of James Joyce and William Shakespeare. She was a member of the Académie française from 1960 until her death.
3. Michel Seghers (born 1948), a Belgian composer and musician, known for his work in contemporary classical music and electronic music. He has been awarded several prizes for his compositions.
4. François Seghers (1752-1808), a French navigator who participated in the 1786 expedition led by La Perouse to explore the Pacific. His journal from this voyage is a valuable historical document.
Genealogical research on the last name Seghers
The surname Seghers is of Dutch and Belgian origin, derived from the occupational name for a cutter or maker of sails and other canvas products. The name is found primarily in the Flanders region of Belgium and the Netherlands, with early records dating back to the 13th century. Notable bearers of the name include Adriaen Seghers, a Dutch painter known for his marine landscapes, and Jan Seghers, a Flemish poet and writer. The name has several variations including Segers, Seger, Seggers, and Segaar, due to spelling inconsistencies in historical records. The family's migration patterns show that many members of the Seghers family emigrated from the Netherlands and Belgium to other parts of Europe and North America during the 17th and 18th centuries.
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