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Last Name Tschepe

What is the origin of the last name Tschepe?

The surname Tschepe is of German origin. It is derived from a nickname meaning "the cheeky one" or "the impudent one". The name may have originally been given to someone who was mischievous or playful, or it could have been used as a term of endearment. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tschepe

The meaning and origin of the last name Tschepe

The surname Tschepe is of German origin, derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a chestnut tree or grove. The name is composed of two elements: "Tschepe" is a diminutive form of the Middle High German word "tanne," meaning chestnut, while "-er" or "-e" indicates occupational or locative origin. This surname was typically given to someone who lived near such a tree or worked with chestnuts. The name has been found in various forms throughout Germany and its neighboring regions since the Middle Ages. Over time, spelling variations have arisen due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording methods. Examples of these variations include Tscheppa, Tschape, and Schäpe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tschepe

The surname Tschepe is predominantly found in Germany, particularly in regions such as Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, where it originates from. Historically, it is associated with the town of Chemnitz, which was part of the Margraviate of Meissen and later Saxony. Today, a significant number of Tschepes reside in these areas, suggesting a strong regional concentration. However, due to migration and displacement during historical events like World War II, some individuals bearing the name can also be found in other parts of Germany and across the globe, particularly in countries with large German-speaking populations such as Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tschepe

The surname Tschepe has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and local conventions. Some common variants include:

* Tschepe
* Chepe
* Tschipe
* Czepie
* Czepe
* Schepe (in cases where the 'T' is misinterpreted as a 'S')

These variations can be found across different regions and countries, with German-speaking populations being one of the primary sources. It's essential to consider these variations when conducting research or genealogical work involving this surname.

Famous people with the last name Tschepe

Prominent individuals with the surname Tschepe include:

1. Thomas Tschepe (born 1968), a German former football player who played as a midfielder for clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96, and the German national team. He won the UEFA Cup with Dortmund in 1995.

2. Jürgen Tschepe (born 1947), a German professor of computer science at the Technical University of Berlin who has made significant contributions to the field of software engineering, particularly in the areas of model-based testing and model-driven architecture.

3. Andreas Tschepe (born 1982), a German football coach who played as a goalkeeper, notably for clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt and Hannover 96. He is currently the goalkeeping coach at Borussia Dortmund.

Genealogical research on the last name Tschepe

The Tschepe surname is of German origin, with roots primarily in the regions of Saxony and Thuringia. Historically, the name was a topographical name derived from a location named with the elements 'zscheppen' meaning 'to split' or 'divide' and 'Bach' meaning brook or stream. This suggests that an early bearer of the name may have lived near such a place. The surname is also found in the Czech Republic, where it may have been adopted by immigrants or assimilated Germans. Notable individuals bearing the Tschepe name include Johann Christoph Tschepe, a 17th-century Lutheran pastor and theologian from Germany, and Franz Tschepe, a German athlete who competed in the high jump at the 2004 Summer Olympics. The family name has variations including Tscheppe, Tzschepe, and Tschepe.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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