Surname Erbar - Meaning and Origin
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Erbar: What does the surname Erbar mean?
The surname Erbar is believed to have been derived from a profession or trade. It is a German surname, and was especially popular in the southern parts of the country. The literal translation of Erbar is either "hardtack maker" or "strong ironworker," although it is disputed which is the correct interpretation of the word.
The occupational origins of the surname suggest that the original bearer was connected to the iron industry, likely as a blacksmith or other metalworker. Such a person would need endurance and strength, hence the reference to being "strong". It is also likely that the first bearer of the surname decided to adopt the name based on the person's trade or craft.
In modern times, Erbar remains a popular surname in Germany but it is generally less common in other countries. It's possible that even 400 or 500 years ago, when surnames were more commonly based on one's occupation, many people outgrew their family's profession and more of the individuals with this name may have adopted it as a way to show pride in their original ancestors. In any case, the last name Erbar is a connection to the wealthy history of Germany and a reminder of the strength and determination of the original German metalworking families.
Order DNA origin analysisErbar: Where does the name Erbar come from?
The last name Erbar is most likely of Germanic origin. The name is not particularly widespread today, but there are known occurrences in Germany, the United States, Canada, and elsewhere.
In Germany, the name is found in the Cologne region in western Germany. The name is also found in small pockets in the eastern part of Germany, especially in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. In the United States, the name is most common in the mid-west region, including in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
In Canada, there are a few occurrences of Erbar, mainly in the province of British Columbia. The census data indicates that the name is more common across the border, in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the name is fairly uncommon, and fewer than five occurrences can be found in the 1940 Census.
Overall, the name Erbar is not particularly common today, although small pockets of the name can be found in Germany, the United States, Canada, and elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Erbar
Erbar is a German surname that has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of the variants, spelling and surnames of the same origin for the surname Erbar include Erber, Erbe, Erbentraut, Erberbauer, Erbstoff, Erbener, Erbauer, Erbfeld, Erbfleck, Erbrecht, Erbling, Erbschaft, and Erbsenkraut.
The surname Erbar is derived from the German word 'erben', meaning 'to inherit'. It is believed that people with the surname Erbar are likely descended from families who have historically owned or inherited land or estates.
The exact origin of the Erbar surname is not completely clear. However, it is believed to have originated from Bavaria, a southern German state, and is found throughout Germany and parts of Austria and Switzerland.
The spelling and pronunciation of the surname Erbar can vary quite a bit depending on the region. In some regions, the surname is spelled 'Erbeer', 'Erbrecht' or 'Erberger'.
In addition to the various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, some individuals with the surname Erbar may have Anglicized it to 'Arbore' or 'Arbour'.
It is estimated that there are approximately 9,000 people in Germany with the surname Erbar, as well as a few scattered throughout Europe. In the United States, the surname is still quite rare, with only about 50 people having the surname.
Famous people with the name Erbar
- Victoria Erbar-Swartz: German architect and urban planner, a professor at Leibniz University Hanover.
- Elisabeth Erbar-Voogd: Dutch feminist and socialist party politician.
- Paul Erbar: German graphic artist and designer most famous for designing typefaces for the Klingspor Type Foundry.
- Arthur Erbar: German painter and graphic artist specialized in book and poster design.
- Ulrike Erbar-Klein: German classical violinist and teacher.
- John Erbar: American actor, stand-up comedian, producer, and writer.
- Alfred Erbar: Austrian violin maker and entrepreneur.
- Johannes Erbar: German botanist and forestry expert who developed and spread knowledge of ecological forestry.
- Erika Erbar: Austrian-Hungarian actress of the silent film era.
- Ulrich Erbar: German composer and university teacher at the University of Vienna.