Surname Ehrichs - Meaning and Origin
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Ehrichs: What does the surname Ehrichs mean?
The last name Ehrichs is a German occupational surname, derived from the German word "Ehrer," which means “master of honors.” This suggests that the original bearer of the last name was probably a prosperous and reputable member of the community. In its current form, Ehrichs is a locational surname that was derived from places named "Ehringen" or "Ehrich."
The Ehrichs family is an old and noble family, tracing its roots back to the region of Silesia in the 12th century. Members of this esteemed family held a certain level of prestige and respect amongst their peers. A few of the distinguished bearers of this name include Friedrich Arnold Ehrichs (1807-1882), a noted German botanist, and Karl Hermann Ehrichs (1837-1916), who was an Emil-von-Behring-Medaille, the most distinguished medical award a German could receive.
Today, the last name Ehrichs is most commonly seen in the German-speaking countries. It is also found in variant spellings such as Ehring, Ehrig, Ehrigs and Ehrlich. The number of people with the Ehrichs surname is not particularly abundant, but it remains a noteworthy surname in Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisEhrichs: Where does the name Ehrichs come from?
The Ehrichs family name is most commonly found in Germany today, with a significant percentage of the population sharing that surname. It is believed that the roots of the Ehrichs family can be traced back to medieval Bavaria, when the name was first used as a surname during the 14th century. From Bavaria, the family moved to the North German Plain and the Rhineland.
The Ehrichs family name is strongly associated with German culture and heritage, and there are many modern Ehrichs families still living in towns and cities throughout Germany. The largest found concentration of Ehrichs can be found in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, home to the city of Cologne. Even outside of Germany, there are pockets of individuals carrying the Ehrichs surname, particularly in the United States, where the earliest traceable Ehrichs family emigrated to in the late 19th century.
Nevertheless, the Ehrichs surname remains largely a German phenomenon, and it is estimated that there are currently over 70,000 people living in Germany today carrying that surname. With such a large population of individuals with the same surname, it is no surprise that Ehrichs remains one of the most common German last names in Europe today.
Variations of the surname Ehrichs
The surname Ehrichs is primarily of German origin. It is thought to be a toponymic surname referring to people who lived in Ehrich, Germany which is now known as Ehringshausen. It is also derived from the Middle High German term 'iant', which means 'person'.
The variants of this surname include Ehrigs, Ehrikhs, Ehrings, Ehringsdorf, Ehringshausen, etc. It can also be spelt in different ways, such as Ehrichss, Erich, Ehrichssen, and Errichs.
The surnames of the same origin as Ehrichs are mainly found in Germany as it has been present there for centuries. It is also common in other countries such as the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia. Internationally known variations on the name are Ehriche, Ehrichowski, Ehrish, and Erichsen.
The spelling of this surname has been modified over the years due to immigration into different countries where the changes were implemented to accommodate different languages. This includes variations such as Anxiety, Entriss, Entrischel, Entrees, Enters, and Enrichs.
In some forms of the surname, the letter ‘s’ is replaced with a ‘z’ or a ‘tz’, such as Erzinger, Ertzinger, or Ehrtzinger. Similarly, the ‘r’ sound is sometimes changed to an ‘l’, such as Eleringhausen.
No matter what spelling of the name or what country one hails from, the Ehrichs name is one of the oldest and most distinct German surnames.
Famous people with the name Ehrichs
- Michael Ehrichs: Michael is a professional freelance saxophonist and entertainer who has toured with a variety of high-profile artists, including The Jonas Brothers, Big Sean, and Joe Jonas.
- Bill Ehrichs: Bill was the key innovator behind an award-wining range of energy efficient lighting products, helping to reduce energy bills and emissions worldwide.
- Elisabeth Ehrichs: Elisabeth is a renowned German-American painter who creates lush landscapes full of vibrant colors that draw the viewer in.
- Gary Ehrichs: Gary is a highly respected individual in his community, having recently been honored by the AIA for his innovative, sustainable architecture.
- Erica Ehrichs: Erica is a celebrated singer-songwriter with a passionate fanbase from across the globe. Her passionate songs have touched many hearts and minds.
- John Ehrichs: John’s work as a professional cinematographer has earned him credits in a number of high-profile films, including Mission Impossible III and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
- Tom Ehrichs: Tom is an outspoken advocate on the importance of physical health and exercise, and has written several books and articles on the subject.
- Max Ehrichs: Max is a popular reality television star who has gained an enormous following from his appearances on shows like MTV’s Real World and Spin City.
- Karen Ehrichs: Karen is an acclaimed author whose books explore spiritual themes and offer inspiring life lessons.
- Edward Ehrichs: Edward is a respected doctor and professor who has dedicated himself to finding non-invasive treatments for cancer and other serious health issues.