Surname Oberpichler - Meaning and Origin
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Oberpichler: What does the surname Oberpichler mean?
The last name Oberpichler originated in Austria and is derived from the occupational name "Pichler." A Pichler was a small landholder or peasant landowner, typically engaged in crafts and menial labor such as tanning, leatherworking, woodworking, or metalwork. The “Ober” prefix was added as an indication of status, making the name literally “higher Pichler.” This indicated higher status than the general peon farm worker, and probably indicated more affluence and independence.
Oberpichlers typically began as farmers and craftsmen in rural areas of Austria, while some eventually moved to more metropolitan areas like Vienna or other larger cities. They were often known for their hard work and frugality, as well as their sense of adventure. Throughout the centuries, many Oberpichlers have become influential in their respective communities and country. Notable Oberpichlers have held prestigious positions in government, the military, and the Catholic Church.
The spiritually minded and industrious Oberpichler spirit lives on in modern times. Some notable Oberpichlers, including the renowned Austrian astronaut Ulf Merbold, demonstrate their boldness in the face of unknown territories. Oberpichlers today still hold their heads high, proud of their heritage of accomplishment as craftsmen, adventurers, and citizens.
Order DNA origin analysisOberpichler: Where does the name Oberpichler come from?
The last name Oberpichler is most commonly found in the southern region of Germany and Austria. It is estimated that of the approximately 1,000 people who carry the Oberpichler name, roughly 750 live in this area. Oberpichler is a German occupational surname, which means a porter or a keeper of a storehouse.
In Germany, the name is not rare, but it is not as common as some other names. It is found primarily in the Bavarian region of Germany, although there are some outliers in Berlin and other cities. The highest concentration is in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemburg and Rhineland-Palatinate.
In Austria, the name Oberpichler is more prominent and can be found in the eastern states of Styria, Carinthia, and Vienna. Oberpichler is also found in the towns of St Polten, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.
Outside of Europe, the last name Oberpichler has been found in the United States and Canada, but it is still relatively uncommon. There have also been Oberpichlers in Australia and New Zealand, although the numbers are relatively small.
Overall, the last name Oberpichler is most predominantly found in the southern region of Germany and Austria, and to a lesser extent, in other countries across the globe.
Variations of the surname Oberpichler
The origin of the surname Oberpichler is often traced back to Germanic, specifically the medieval Duchy of Bavaria. It is thought to be derived from the ancient German personal name Pichler, which is composed of two elements – the elements “pich” and “ler”. The first element “pich” is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word “fik” which means an enclosure, dwelling or court, whilst the second element “ler” could be either a diminutive or a patronymic prefix referring to the son of the person. As a patronymic, Oberpichler literally translates as “son of the court dweller”.
Variants of this surname include Oberpichel, Pepperhill, and Oboppel. Spellings could be Oberpicher, Oberpicker, Ober Pichling or Ober Pohl or even Ober Pargvaech. Surnames of this origin may be either hyphenated or seperate, such as Ober Picher, Ober-Picher, or even Ober Pichler.
Other surnames of Germanic origin which share the same meaning include Pickeling, Picking, Obliging, Pichler, Pickerle, Pickle, Peckle, Purkell, Peiriker, Peerick, Peckel or Pickler. These surnames are often found throughout Bavaria, Austria, Switzerland and even some parts of the United States.
Famous people with the name Oberpichler
- Fanny Oberpichler-Geissmann: Austrian biologist and professor at the University of Vienna
- Fritz Oberpichler: Austrian composer
- Alexander Oberpichler: German actor
- Karl Oberpichler: Austrian politician
- Roman Oberpichler: Austrian entrepreneur and former ski racer
- Joachim Oberpichler: Austrian alpine skier
- Mathias Oberpichler: Austrian football goalkeeper
- Magdalena Oberpichler: German figure skater
- Lizzi Oberpichler-Schuster: Austrian entrepreneur
- Martin Oberpichler: Austrian entrepreneur and former professional skier