Surname Behre - Meaning and Origin
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Behre: What does the surname Behre mean?
The surname Behre is a German and Jewish occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "bahre," meaning "cart" or "wagon." This surname is thought to have been adopted by those in the employment of cart-makers and wagon-drivers.
The earliest record of the Behre surname is attributed to Friedrich Behre, who was born in 1620 in Lippstadt, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The first record of the surname in the United States dates back to 1766, when the spelling was recorded as "Beher." Several other variants have since developed, such as "Baer," "Biher," "Behr," and "Behrle."
The Behre family has since produced several notable individuals, most notably composer Hugo Beher, whose works included the Kansas City Song, and Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Hermann Behrlc.
Behre is a surname that has long been associated with hard work and dedication, but has also become associated with great success. People with the Behre surname often carry a strong sense of pride and accomplishment for the accomplishments of their ancestors, and tend to be driven and determined to reach their goals.
Order DNA origin analysisBehre: Where does the name Behre come from?
The last name Behre is most often found in Germany, especially in the north and southeastern regions. It also has a strong presence in former German-speaking towns of Belgium, Czech Republic, Swiss, Canada, Luxembourg, and other countries of European origin.
It is uncertain how the name originated, but one popular theory suggests the name is derived from an early German word berer which means a calm and peaceful state. There is also speculation that the name within Slavic countries could have come from the word bearest, which means a shaggy animal or a small ram.
Due to the German origin of the name, it is primarily found in Germany today. Estimates suggest there may be as many as 22,000 people in Germany that carry the name, with the vast majority living in the northern and southeastern parts of the country.
The last name Behre is also quite common in some states of the United States, including Pennsylvania, Oregon, Alabama, and Maryland. It is estimated that there are approximately 32,500 Americans with the name Behre.
Overall, the last name Behre is still quite common in German-speaking countries and German-influenced regions today, such as the United States.
Variations of the surname Behre
The surname Behre is an anglicised form of the German and Dutch surname Berends, which can also be found as Behrends, Behrend, Behrent, Beernds, Beernd, Beerndt, Bernds, Bernd, Berndt, Berens, Behrens, Behren, and Behrent.
This surname is derived from the German personal name Berend, which originated as a reduced form of various Germanic names beginning with the element "beraht" or "berht", meaning "bright, famous".
The surname Behre has also been found spelled as Behr, Bear, Beer, Beare, Beers, and Ber. All of these variations originate from the Germanic word “beraht” or “berht” meaning bright or famous.
In addition to the Germanic surname variants, similar surnames of Dutch origin include Berger,Berg, Bergh, Bergman, Bergsma, Barger, Barger, and Bargh. These names are derived from the Dutch word “berg” meaning “mountain”.
The name Behre can also be found spelled as Behrens, Beeren, Beerens, Berends, and Berens. This variation originates from the Dutch and German word “berent” meaning “bearing” or “bearing arms”.
In conclusion, the surname Behre has many variations and spellings, both from Germanic and Dutch origins. Variations include Behrends, Behrend, Behrent, Beernds, Beernd, Beerndt, Bernds, Bernd, Berndt, Berens, Behrens, Behren, and Behrent on the German side, and Berger, Berg, Bergh, Bergman, Bergsma, Barger, Barger, and Bargh as well as Behrens, Beeren, Beerens, Berends, and Berens on the Dutch side.
Famous people with the name Behre
- Imogen Behre: London School of Economics professor
- Madeline Behre: Australian media artist
- Sharon Behre: South African television presenter and producer
- Mary Behre: American film and television actress
- Vladimir Behre: Russian classical and jazz composer
- Paul Behre: German opera and concert singer
- John Behre: American artist and sculptor
- Karl-Heinz Behre: German national volleyball player
- Charles Behre: German theologian and author
- Lorie Behre: American athletics coach