Surname Upleger - Meaning and Origin

Upleger: What does the surname Upleger mean?

The last name Upleger is likely derived from the German language, and is a variant of the more common Updegraff surname. The Upleger name is somewhat unique and the family may have chosen it in order to stand out or to distinguish itself from other families. The root of the Upleger surname is likely derived from the Germanic words "up" meaning "upper" and "degraff" meaning "valley". Together they form the combination "upper valley". As such, Upleger is believed to have originated from someone who lived in an upper valley or on a hilltop, most likely in Germany.

In the broadest sense, Upleger is believed to have connotations of strength and power. This can be seen in the Upleger coat of arms, which pictures a knight on horseback. The knight is a symbol of a brave and courageous leader, and the horse stands for strength and freedom. The horse's colors further emphasize the family's determination and boldness.

The Upleger surname also has some religious significance. As a Christian-oriented surname, it may represent faithfulness and loyalty, as these were the qualities that Jesus Christ taught.

Today, the Upleger family is spread out all over the world. Though its original meaning is still intact, the Upleger surname can also have a variety of individual interpretations depending on its bearer.

Upleger: Where does the name Upleger come from?

The last name Upleger is not particularly common today, however it has its roots in Germany and Austria. In Germany, Upleger is an occupational surname, used to identify someone that worked as a window repairer or sheet glazier. In Austria, Upleger is derived from the word ‘Upleger’, which means 'one who is small' or 'small but mighty'.

In the United States, Upleger is a relatively uncommon surname. It is estimated that there are roughly 202 people with the last name in the United States, with most of them living in the central-eastern states of New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. It is also known to be found in Texas, Florida, and California.

Upleger is more commonly found throughout Central and Eastern Europe. In Germany, it is estimated that there are roughly 6,000 people with this surname. In Austria, there are approximately 1,500 people with this surname. The surname is also found in the Central and Eastern European countries of Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and across the Baltic States.

In the United Kingdom, the surname is most commonly found in the major cities of London and Manchester. It is an uncommon surname, with an estimated 100 people bearing the last name across England and Scotland.

Overall, the last name Upleger is not common, although it is fairly widespread throughout Europe and the United States. It is a relatively uncommon surname that is most frequently found in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the major cities in the UK, and the central-eastern states of the US.

Variations of the surname Upleger

Upleger is a surname of German origin, derived from the word upmacher meaning up maker. It is sometimes spelled Uplegger, Upmacher or Uhmacher, and may also appear as Hoffmacher and Hofmacher, which come from the same root words.

The Upleger surname appears to have originated in the German state of Baden-Württemberg in the late 17th century and early 18th century. The earliest recorded Upleger dates from 1711 in Ostalbkreis. From there the name moved across the country, eventually ending up in the northern state of Lower Saxony.

Variants and spellings of the Upleger surname include Uplegger, Upmacher, Uhmachers, and Hoffmachers. Upholsterer, Upclapper, and Upmackers are other variants derived from the same root words.

Upleger and its variant spellings all have a shared origin and common roots, so it can be assumed that they all refer to the same family. Many of these variants and spellings are found in German records and documents, including family trees, passenger lists and birth and marriage certificates.

The spelling of the Upleger surname often changes depending on where in Germany it is recorded, so it is important to be aware of all the different spellings when researching your family history. Also, it would be important to note that some German families may have changed the spelling of their surname over the years, so researching different variations of the surname could help uncover more about your family’s past.

Famous people with the name Upleger

• Freidrich Upleger: German musician, founder and conductor of the Sinfonie Orchester Freiburg.
• Eberhard Upleger: Curator, art collector and patron of contemporary art in Germany.
• Jenny Upleger: Former communications director for the US Embassy Mexico.
• Elise Upleger: Actor featured in multiple films and TV shows, including the series Community.
• Andreas Upleger: Holistic doctor and author of several self-help books.
• Richard Upleger: Former German football player who represented the national team in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
• Robert Upleger: Entrepreneur and founder of the largest independent hearing aid technology company in the US.
• Alex Upleger: Musician, composer, and producer.
• Adam Upleger: Professional ice hockey player who plays in the USHL.
• Jeff Upleger: Award-winning television producer and writer.

Other surnames

Uplegger