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Last Name Uhry

What is the origin of the last name Uhry?

The surname "Uhry" is of German origin. It is derived from the occupational name for a cattle herder or cowherd, from the Middle Low German word "Uhre" meaning "cow." The name may have also originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where cows were pastured.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Uhry

The meaning and origin of the last name Uhry

The surname Uhry is of Hungarian origin and is derived from the Hungarian word "úr," which means "lord" or "master." It is believed to have originated as a noble title or a nickname for someone who held a position of authority or prominence in society. The surname may have been given to those who were wealthy landowners, rulers, or leaders in the community. Over time, the surname Uhry may have been passed down through generations and become a hereditary family name. Today, individuals with the surname Uhry can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in regions where Hungarian culture and heritage have had an influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Uhry

The last name Uhry is relatively rare and is primarily found in the United States, specifically in the state of Georgia. There is a small concentration of individuals with the surname Uhry in other southern states such as Alabama and Florida. Outside of the United States, the name Uhry is not commonly found and has limited geographical distribution. The origin of the last name Uhry is likely German, as it is a common surname in Germany. The geographical distribution of the Uhry surname suggests that it has not spread widely across different regions and remains predominantly associated with the southern United States. It is possible that individuals with the last name Uhry may have migrated from Germany to the United States, leading to the concentration of the surname in specific states.

Variants and spellings of the last name Uhry

The last name Uhry can also be spelled as Ury, Urey, Uri, or Urie. These variations may have originated from different regions or times, leading to differences in spelling. Despite these variations, all these spellings are essentially the same name and may be used interchangeably. The pronunciation of the name remains consistent regardless of the spelling, with the emphasis typically placed on the first syllable. The name Uhry (and its variations) may have its roots in a specific cultural or linguistic background, influencing how it is spelled or pronounced. Overall, the variations of the last name Uhry reflect the diversity and fluidity of language and naming conventions.

Famous people with the last name Uhry

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Uhry is Alfred Uhry, an American playwright best known for his work "Driving Miss Daisy," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1988 and was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. Alfred Uhry is widely recognized for his storytelling abilities and his exploration of themes such as race relations in the American South. Another notable figure with the last name Uhry is Bainbridge Bunting Uhry, a prominent architect who was known for his work on historic preservation projects in Savannah, Georgia. Both Alfred and Bainbridge Uhry have left a lasting impact on their respective fields and continue to be celebrated for their contributions to literature and architecture.

Genealogical research on the last name Uhry

The last name Uhry is of German origin and is believed to be a variant of the name Uhl. Genealogical records show that the Uhry surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Germany, specifically in the region of Bavaria. Early records indicate that individuals with the last name Uhry were predominantly farmers or laborers, living in rural communities. As time progressed, some members of the Uhry family migrated to other parts of Europe, particularly to France and Switzerland. Today, individuals with the last name Uhry can be found in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in the United States and Canada. Genealogical research on the Uhry surname continues to uncover new information about the family's history and lineage.

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 : 11 April 2025

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