Surname Vorheis - Meaning and Origin

Vorheis: What does the surname Vorheis mean?

The surname Vorheis is of German origin and is derived from two distinct words: "Vor", which means "in front of", and "Haus", which means "house". It's a locational surname, typically referring to individuals who lived near the front of a house or perhaps at the front of a community or settlement. During the medieval period, surnames often served as an identification method, introducing information about a person’s occupation, place of residence, or father’s name. In the case of Vorheis, it indicates a geographical attribute of a person’s dwelling. Like many surnames, its spelling may have undergone changes over the centuries due to a variety of reasons like immigration, varying levels of literacy, or simply a desire for a different spelling. In various records or documents, it can be found as Vorhies, Vorhees, among others.

Vorheis: Where does the name Vorheis come from?

The last name Vorheis is most commonly found today in North America, particularly the United States and Canada. It is a relatively uncommon name, and has likely been a part of North American life since emigrants from Germany arrived in the 19th century.

Vorheis beliefs the source of the name is a location in Germany called Vorhees. It is a small region located in the Upper Rhine region of southwestern Germany, capacity Baden-Wurttemburg. Given the historic migrations from Germany to North America, it is likely the name came with many emigrants from this region.

In the United States, the last name Vorheis has spread throughout the country with highest concentrations found in Mid-Atlantic and Midwest states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and New York. In Canada, the name is found largely in the province of Ontario with some pockets of residents in Alberta and British Columbia.

There have been a number of prominent individuals who have carried the last name Vorheis. Notables include US Army Staff Sergeant John C. Vorheis who received a Purple Heart for his bravery in World War II and William Vorheis who served in the Civil War as a lieutenant in the Union army.

Variations of the surname Vorheis

The surname Vorheis is of German origin, with variants and alternative spellings including Voorhis, Vorhess, Vorhies, Voorhies, Vorhes, Voorhes, Vorhis, Voorhis, Voreis, Warehys, and Worheys. This name is derived from the Middle High German word "voor", meaning "at the front," and "hêse” which is a house or fortress. The modern German variation of the surname is Vorhees.

In the United States, the surname Vorheis was first found in Pennsylvania in the earliest settlements. The family came to America from Germany, settling first in Pennsylvania and then, migrating to other states such as New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

Variations in spelling in Germany include Voreis, Vonrhese, Voorhs, Vorhaus, Vorneise, and Warheit. The Dutch also have a spelling which is Vorheys.

Variations and similar surnames include Verhees, Verheis, Vorhees, Verhies, and Verheyse. The Dutch variant of the surname is Verhees, which is derived from the same middle high German source.

In addition to the Germanic variants, there is also an English variant spelled Vories (also known by Voris, Vorees, and Vorree). This variant is localized to the south of England in the Chichester and Portsmouth area. The origin of the surname is traced back to John De Voiri, found in the records of Sussex in 1274.

Although various spelling and regional variations exist, all of the surnames of the same origin spellings can be traced back to Middle High German and the meaning of 'at the front, or house/fortress'.

Famous people with the name Vorheis

• Tracy Voorhees: American ice hockey player
• Henry Voorhees: American painter
• Lawrence Voorhees: American physicist
• Charles Voorhees: American veterinarian
• Jon Voorhees: American actor
• Hank Voorhees: American environmentalist
• Paul Voorhees: American composer
• Karl Voorhees: American novelist
• Ed Voorhees: American politician
• John Voorhees: American musician
• Laura Voorhees: American artist
• Nancy Voorhees: American doctor
• Eric Voorhees: American video game designer
• Jessica Voorhees: American actress
• Steve Voorhees: American politician
• Ted Voorhees: American producer
• Billy Voorhees: American athlete
• Mary Voorhees: American business executive
• Nick Voorhees: American filmmaker
• Randy Voorhees: American wildlife biologist

Other surnames

VorheesVorhes