Surname Oberthür - Meaning and Origin
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Oberthür: What does the surname Oberthür mean?
The last name Oberthür is an occupational surname derived from the Germanic word "ober," meaning “upper” or “superior,” and "thür," meaning “gatekeeper.” Combined, Oberthür literally translates to "upper gatekeeper."
The Oberthür surname is most commonly found in the canton of Thurgau, located in the northeast part of Switzerland, possibly indicating that this area may have been the general area of origin for the surname.
Oberthür is an example of an occupational surname, meaning it was likely used as a label for a person of a certain profession. In this case, the gatekeeper likely served an important role in a village or town, as they were most likely responsible for controlling access to the village or town. Additionally, the usage of “upper” may suggest that this person held a position of relative importance.
Given its usage in Switzerland, Oberthür is likely a surname of Germanic origin. However, given the presence of this surname in other countries, it is possible that this surname was brought to those countries by people with Swiss ancestry, either through intentional emigration or through military service.
Nowadays, the Oberthür surname is still found in many countries across the world, and is primarily found in countries with large Germanic populations, such as Germany, Austria, and the United States.
Regardless of where it is found, the Oberthür surname is a reminder of the importance of a gatekeeper in many Germanic villages and towns throughout history. It continues to bear witness to the occupation of the gatekeeper and the role they played in the livelihood of many towns.
Order DNA origin analysisOberthür: Where does the name Oberthür come from?
The last name Oberthür is quite common in parts of Germany, particularly in the south and western regions. Oberthür is one of the more common German surnames, with thousands of bearers living in Germany and across the world. Most Oberthürs are found in the Germany's states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lower Saxony, although its bearers can be found in most of the country.
In recent years, significant populations of Oberthür have been scattered around the globe, mostly in regions with historic German emigration and Harry Edward Oberthür himself has had distant relatives move to the United States. Australia and New Zealand also have Oberthür populations, as did Latin America and Canada.
Oberthür is considered a variation of the German first name Oberthür, which stands for "of the royal castle". Oberthür can be traced back to the Middle Ages and likely originates from the name of a small medieval castle found near Bitburg in Rhineland-Palatinate. The castle itself has long since fallen into ruins, but the name lives on in those of its former inhabitants.
In the 21st century, Oberthür is still quite common, although the name has lost some of its popularity due to emigration. Nevertheless, it is still found in various regions of Germany and across the world. The ID prefix OBTHÜR is becoming increasingly rare, however, as people move away from their ancestral villages and spread the name far and wide.
Variations of the surname Oberthür
The variants for the surname Oberthür are Oberthuerr, Oberthurr and Oburthuyer. Other spellings and surnames of the same origin include Oberthur, Oberthuer, Oberthuer and Oberthuir.
The Oberthür surname is believed to be German and can be traced back to the Old High German word "turi" which meant "surrounding fortification". As a result, Oberthür can be translated into "above/over the wall/protection/fortification".
Oberthür can be found in two countries, Germany and France. In France, the surname has been adapted as Oburthuyer, Oberthurr and Oberthuerr.
There are a number of variants and spellings of the Oberthür surname. These include Orberthour, Abrathur, Orberter, Eborthuyer, Aldertur and Aberthur.
The surnames Oberthür, Oberthurr and Oburthuyer are all believed to have their origins in Germany with each spelling having its own varied etymology. However, all three variants share the same meaning of ‘above the wall/protection/fortification’.
The Oberthür family is thought to have originated in Cologne, Germany during the 15th Century. It is believed that the original Oberthür family came to France in the 1700s, settling in the Alsace-Lorraine region.
In conclusion, the different variants, spellings and surnames of Oberthür include Oberthuer, Oberthur, Oberthuir, Oberthuerr, Oberthurr, Oburthuyer, Orberthour, Abrathur, Orberter, Eborthuyer, Aldertur and Aberthur. All have the same meaning of “above the wall/protection/fortification” and have their origins in Germany and France.
Famous people with the name Oberthür
- Richard Oberthür: Richard Oberthür was a German surgeon, naturalist, and maritime scholar who discovered several species of fish and published books about his travels and discoveries in the South Pacific ocean.
- Walfried Oberthür: Walfried Oberthür was a German amateur astronomer who is credited with discovering several comets and asteroids.
- Michael Oberthür: Michael Oberthür is a German artist who creates abstract paintings and sculptures. His works have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.
- Stefan Oberthür: Stefan Oberthür is a German politician who served as a Member of Parliament and president of the European Parliament.
- Margarete Oberthür: Margarete Oberthür was a German soprano opera singer who had international success in several countries.
- Frieda Oberthür: Frieda Oberthür was a German architect who was most well-known for her Viennese Karlsplatz commission from 1931.
- August Oberthür: August Oberthür was a German entomologist who specialized in butterflies and moths. He described several hundred species and published works on the subject.
- Renate Oberthür: Renate Oberthür is a German-Austrian director, actress, and screenwriter. Her most recent film, Alpenglühen 5, was released in 2018.
- Paul Oberthür: Paul Oberthür was a German philosopher and theologian who wrote extensively on the relationship between faith and reason.
- Stephan Oberthür: Stephan Oberthür is a Professor of Ecology at the University of Osnabrück. He studies the impacts of land-use changes on biodiversity.