Surname Behr - Meaning and Origin

Surname Behr: Unearthing My Genetic Past And Community With iGENEA DNA Test

Unravel your geneological past with the iGENEA DNA test. Dig deep into your surname's roots, trace its origins and build connections with people who share the same surname across the globe.

J. Behr

Behr: What does the surname Behr mean?

The surname Behr is of German origin and it translates to 'bear' in English. The name likely evolved as a nickname for someone who either physically resembled a bear or shared characteristics commonly associated with bears, such as strength or bravery. It might also have derived from the name of a location noted for the presence of bears or a house sign bearing the image of a bear. Furthermore, it might be an occupational name for someone who trained bears, for carnivals or fairs for example. The name can be found in numerous forms due to regional variations and phonetic spellings, these include Baer, Baehr, Baer, Bahr, Boehrer, Borrer and Behrman, among others.

Behr: Where does the name Behr come from?

The last name Behr is of German origin and is primarily derived from the Middle High German term for "bear". In some cases, it could have been a nickname for an individual with a bear-like characteristics, or an occupational name for a keeper of bears in a royal or noble menagerie, or a traveling entertainer who owned performing bears. The name may have also originated as a topographic name for someone who lived in a place frequented by bears, or a habitational name from a dwelling named with this word.

Today, Behr is common in Germany and also found in the United States, Canada, and other countries with substantial German-speaking populations or those with historic German immigrant communities. There can also be variations in the spelling, such as Baer, Bahr, or Baehr, which are found in similar regions.

Variations of the surname Behr

The surname Behr is of German origin and has several variations and similar surnames. Some of these include Bahr, Baer, Beer, Bair, Bayer, Beare, Beier, and Behre.

Moreover, it could also be found with prefixes and suffixes, such as Oberbahr or Unterbahr indicating geographical origins. Variations like Behrmann, Behrend, and Behrendt can suggest patronymic roots (Behr's man, Behr's son). In some cases, it might even manifest as a double-barrelled or hyphenated surname, for example, Behr-Sigel or Behr-Negendank.

Sometimes, the surname may have been anglicized upon arrival in English-speaking countries, changing to Bear or Barry. It might also have been translated, for example, "Behr" means "bear" in German, so it could be translated to bear-related surnames like Orso, Oso, Medved, Ursu, or Bjorn in different languages.

As with any surname, the exact spelling can vary widely among individuals and families, and it may have also evolved and changed over the generations due to factors like migration, regional dialects, and cultural assimilation. So, it's always advisable to consider these factors while researching on this surname.

Famous people with the name Behr

• Jason Behr: A popular American actor, known for his performance in "Roswell" and "The Grudge".
• Addison Behr: Provided her voice for the animated character Mackenzie in the series "Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures".
• Charles Behr: An actor prominent in the silent era who starred in several films during the 1910s and 1920s.
• Markus Behr: Austrian film and stage actor, known for his work in European films.
• Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Behr: A German physician and professor at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen.
• Katrin Behr: A German author known for her advocacy work for victims of DDR forced adoptions.
• Martin Behr: A bassist for the German metal band Rammstein, known by his stage name "Flake".
• Michael von Behr: An aristocrat who played a significant role in German national politics in the 19th century.
• Olaf Behr: A former professional racing cyclist from the Netherlands.
• Nicholas Behr: A famous South African scriptwriter known for his work in several popular TV series.
• Erik Behr: A flutist in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Louis Behr: A prominent businessman in the tobacco industry in the 19th century.

Other surnames

BehaBehaegehBehaegheBehaghelBehakerBehalBehamBehanBeharBeharelBehavelleBeheBehegBeheimBehemBehlerBehmBehmeBehnBehnckBehnckeBehnckenBehneBehneckeBehnekeBehnekingBehnemannBehnenBehnertBehnicke