Last Name Siebe

The surname Siebe is of German origin. It is derived from a vocational name for someone who worked as a sieve maker. In Middle High German, "sieben" means sieve or sift. Over time, this occupational name evolved into Siebe in various parts of Germany, particularly the Rhineland and Westphalia regions. The name might have also been given to a child born during the harvest season when sieves were used extensively.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Siebe

The meaning and origin of the last name Siebe

The surname Siebe is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "Sebo" which means 'desired, loved one'. It was originally a given name that evolved into a hereditary surname, likely in the medieval period as populations started to grow and record-keeping became more organized. This surname spread through Germany, particularly in regions like Baden-Württemberg, where it is still quite common today. Variations of the name include Seibe, Seibel, and Seebe among others. The migration patterns of German speakers around the world have led to the dispersion of this surname across Europe, North America, Australia, and other regions with significant populations of German descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Siebe

The surname Siebe is predominantly distributed across Germany, particularly in regions such as Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, suggesting a historical origin from these areas. A significant number of Siebe descendants can also be found in the United States, primarily due to German immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other European countries like Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, reflecting historical movements within Europe. Additionally, some individuals bearing the Siebe surname can be found in Australia and South Africa, where they may have emigrated from Germany or other parts of Europe during various periods of colonial expansion. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Siebe name highlights historic Germanic roots with notable dispersals to other continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Siebe

The surname Siebe has various spelling variants and alternate forms, reflecting its regional origins and changes over time. Some of these variants include Seibe, Siebeh, Zeibe, Ziebe, Seebe, and Saybe. These variations may result from differences in dialects, transcription errors, or intentional alterations to improve phonetic pronunciation or assimilation into other cultures. Despite these changes, all forms of Siebe share a common etymology, likely derived from Germanic roots meaning "seer" or "diviner." It is also possible that the name may have originated as a topographical name for someone who lived near a seaboard or a body of water, or as an occupational name for a fisherman. Regardless of the specific variant, Siebe remains a distinctive and historically significant surname.

Famous people with the last name Siebe

The Siebe family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Sir James Siebe (1872-1964), a British engineer who played a significant role in the design and construction of deep-sea submarines, including the Dreadnought and R34. In 1908, he was part of the team that rescued crew members from the sunken ship SMS Falke using a diving bell of his own design. Another prominent member is Heinrich Siebe (1777-1839), a German inventor who developed the Siebe-Morse diving dress, a precursor to modern scuba gear, and made significant contributions to underwater exploration. In art, there's Marion Siebe (1906-2004), an accomplished American painter whose works are held in numerous museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lastly, mention must be made of Dr. John Siebe, a renowned Canadian geologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of volcanic processes and tectonics in the Pacific Northwest.

Genealogical research on the last name Siebe

The surname Siebe, of German origin, is primarily associated with the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions of Germany. Its earliest recorded occurrence dates back to the late Middle Ages, specifically in the town of Kaiserslautern in the 15th century. The name Siebe can be traced to various branches: Siebe von Bremen, a noble family from Bremen; Siebe from Hagenbach, originating in the Palatinate region; and Siebe from Saarland. The Siebe family is also found in Belgium, particularly in East Flanders, where they immigrated during the 19th century. Variations of the name include Seibe, Seebe, and Ziebe, all derived from the German word for "well," reflecting its geographical origin.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Siebe"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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