Surname Barsch - Meaning and Origin

Barsch: What does the surname Barsch mean?

The last name Barsch is of German origin and has two possible origins. The first is that the surname originates from the Middle High German word “barsche”, meaning “pike” or “pike fish”. This suggests that the original bearer of the name was likely a fisherman or a fish merchant. The second possible origin of the name is that it could be a variation of the Middle Low German surname “Barser” which has its origin in the place-name Barsers in what is now known as Germany. It is likely to have originally referred to a person who hailed from this area.

Barsch is a very uncommon surname, and is only found mainly in Germany, Austria, and a few scattered parts of Central and Eastern Europe, most likely as a result of migration from Germany and Austria during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Barsch family name is associated with loyalty and collaboration, as these are attributed to the pike fish which served as inspiration for the name. Those who bear the name are thought to be creative, artistic, and courageous, and are said to be very friendly and accept changes quickly. Those who have this name are also said to be natural leaders and have an eye for detail.

Barsch: Where does the name Barsch come from?

Today, the surname Barsch is most commonly found in the German-speaking areas of the world, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This last name is believed to come from Middle High German and can mean multiple things, such as a person from Barsdorf, a resident of a barse or tavern, or a person who lived near a marshy area.

In Germany, Barsch is more common in the northern and central parts of the country. It is particularly prominent in Bavaria, where it ranks as the 455th most-common surname. Elsewhere in Germany, Barsch can be found in lower concentrations in several states including North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Baden-Württemberg.

In Austria, the surname is also fairly common, particularly in the north-central and western parts of the country. According to data from 2018, it is the 398th most-common surname in the country.

Barsch is much less common in Switzerland, but is more widespread in the German-speaking cantons of Zurich, Bern, and St. Gallen.

Outside of Central Europe, the surname may also occasionally be found in parts of the United States. This is largely due to German emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly among families with names like Barsch, Baersch, Biersch, and Burch.

Overall, the surname Barsch is most common in the German-speaking areas of Central Europe. It is particularly widespread in Germany and Austria, and can also be found in Swiss territories and certain parts of the United States.

Variations of the surname Barsch

The surname Barsch has various spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin. These variations of the name originated from different countries, dialects and spelling mistakes made over the centuries. Some of the common variations include Barsch, Barrsch, Barks, Barscher, Bartsch, Barstch, Barssch, Barrsch, Barush, Barrs, Barss and Barschowski, as well as numerous others.

The surname Barsch is of Germanic origin, derived from the medieval personal name Barso or Barsa. This name originally meant ‘Bear’, and so the name Barsch (which is also used as a nickname) signifies a brave or brave-hearted person. It is also thought that the name may have originated as a habitational name, deriving from a place named “Barsch or Barsen” in Germany.

Barsch is an ancient and respected German and Dutch surname. It is also very popular in some European countries, such as Germany, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The German word “Bars” means “bear”, and that is part of the reason why the Barsch surname is popular all over Europe.

Today, the Barsch surname is used by many people of diverse origins. However, the original Germanic meaning of the surname still remains strong throughout many countries around the world.

Famous people with the name Barsch

• Grethe Barsch-Jacobsen: Danish politician who served on the City Council of Copenhagen for the Social Democrats.
• Johan Barsch: German astronomer, mathematician, and optician who made significant contributions to the design of astronomical and observing instruments.
• Lise Barsch: Danish journalist and television presenter who was the host of the current affairs political discussion TV show "Tæppet Falder".
• John W. Barsch: American lawyer, civil war veteran, and politician from Wisconsin. He served as the 12th Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
• Tina Barsch: German adventurer, photographer, and author who is best known for her popular book series "Der Weg der Sterne" ("The Way of the Stars").
• Ansgar Barsch: German astronomer and writer who was deeply involved in astronomical research at the turn of the century.
• Sarah Barsch: American artist and engraver who was active in the mid-19th century and created several book illustrations.
• David Barsch: German sportsman who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki as a member of the German pentathlon team.
• Hilmar Barsch: German author, journalist, and civil servant who wrote extensively about German history and culture.
• Bernd Barsch: German economist and chair of the Institute of Trade and Business at the University of Mannheim.

Other surnames

BarschatBärschneider