Last Name Stoehr

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stoehr

The meaning and origin of the last name Stoehr

The surname Stoehr is of German origin, derived from the medieval occupation name for a stonemason or builder. The name is believed to have been originally a nickname for someone who worked with stone, possibly in construction or sculpture. The surname's root word "Stein" (meaning stone) evolved over time into Stoehr and other variations in different regions of Germany. It's important to note that the spelling and pronunciation can vary due to historical and regional differences in recording methods and language changes. The name Stoehr is relatively uncommon outside of German-speaking countries but has been found in various immigrant communities around the world, particularly those of German descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stoehr

The surname Stoehr has a predominant concentration in Germany, reflecting its Germanic origin. According to data from FamilySearch and Surname Frequency Database, it is most common in the German states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. There are also significant numbers of people with the last name Stoehr in Austria, where it shares a similar etymology. In addition, smaller populations can be found in other European countries such as Switzerland, France, and Poland due to historical migration patterns. Outside Europe, there is a sizable community of Stoehrs in the United States, primarily due to immigration from Germany in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller groups of people with this surname can also be found in other parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, and South America, as a result of further migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stoehr

The surname Stoehr can appear in various spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across different regions. Some common variations include: Stoer, Stöhr, Stuhr, Stohrer, Stuhre, Stover, Stowar, Stower, Stuer, and Stovere. These variants may result from factors such as dialectal differences, errors in transcription or translation, and regional pronunciation variations. In genealogical research, it's essential to consider these alternative spellings when searching for ancestors with the last name Stoehr.

Famous people with the last name Stoehr

Notable individuals with the surname Stoehr include:

1. Richard Stoehr (born 1938), an American operatic tenor who had a prominent career in Europe during the 1960s and 1970s. He sang at major opera houses such as La Scala, Covent Garden, and the Metropolitan Opera.

2. Peter Stoehr (born 1943), an American composer and musicologist known for his works in electronic and experimental music. He has been a professor of music at Harvard University since 1973.

3. J. William Stoehr (1906-1998), an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of algebraic topology and differential geometry. He taught at various universities including Princeton, Johns Hopkins, and Michigan State.

4. Paula Stoehr (born 1957), a German long-distance runner who won bronze medals in the marathon at both the 1983 World Championships and the 1988 Olympic Games. She also held the women's world record for the marathon from 1984 to 1985.

These individuals have all distinguished themselves in their respective fields, demonstrating a wide range of talents within the Stoehr family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Stoehr

The Stoehr surname is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "Stor" meaning 'storage' or 'granary', and was often occupational for those who worked with grain storage. The earliest records of the Stoehr family can be traced back to the 14th century in the region of Swabia, now part of southwestern Germany. Over time, various branches of the Stoehr family migrated to other parts of Europe and later, North America. Notable figures with the Stoehr surname include Johann Heinrich Stoehr, a prominent German organist and composer from the 18th century, and Otto Stoehr, an Austrian painter who was active in the early 20th century. Today, the Stoehr family can be found predominantly in Germany, Austria, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stoehr"
• 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 : 23 July 2025