Surname Bircher - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Unearthing my Bircher Lineage: A Comprehensive Review of the iGENEA DNA Test
Experience a deep dive into ancestry with the thorough and comprehensive iGENEA DNA test. Discover your surname's history and connect with distant relatives spread global while getting insights into your genetic health risks, dietary habits, and migratory patterns.
V. Bircher
read moreBircher: What does the surname Bircher mean?
The last name Bircher is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "bircher," meaning "birch tree." The birch tree symbolizes new beginnings and resurrection, a fitting symbolic origin for a surname. It may also be a reference to someone who lived near or among a stand of birch trees.
A common trait among those bearing the surname is their strength in overcoming hardships. For many generations, the Birch family has been one of perseverance and fortitude. Whether facing economic or political challenges, those with the surname often rise above difficulties and strive to create a better life.
In many instances, those with the last name Bircher have achieved great success in their business and professional careers. Wealth, esteem and respect can come with success, however, at their core, Birch individuals are hardworking, responsible, and determined.
The Birch name carries with it a history of leadership, courage, innovation and the willingness to take risks and embrace change. It survives and continues to be part of history, both in name and in spirit. It is a representation of the strength and character of the Bircher people and a reminder to rise above life's challenges.
Order DNA origin analysisBircher: Where does the name Bircher come from?
The last name Bircher is most commonly found in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It likely originated as an occupational name for someone who worked with birch trees. Over the centuries, it has spread to other parts of Europe, as well as the US, South Africa, and Australia.
In Germany, Bircher is a fairly common surname, with over 6,400 people having the name in 2017. The highest concentrations are in the northern states, like Schleswig-Holstein, with 637 people bearing the name. Other states with a significant presence of the name include Bavaria, with 477 people, Saxony, with 334 people, and Lower Saxony, with 330 people.
In Switzerland, the Bircher surname is especially prevalent in the Canton of Basel-Stadt, where over 100 people bear the name. It is also quite popular in the Canton of Zug, where more than 60 people have the surname. Moreover, other cantons like Bern, Basel-Landschaft, and Solothurn have between 10 and 20 people with this surname.
In Austria, the overwhelming majority of Birchers are concentrated in the western part of the country, specifically in the states of Vorarlberg and Tyrol, which has about 125 people with the name. Smaller numbers of Birchers can be found in other Austrian states as well.
Overall, Bircher is a fairly common name in the German-speaking countries and also has a growing presence in other parts of Europe and the world.
Variations of the surname Bircher
The surname Bircher derives from the Germanic personal name Bercher, which is derived from the Old German element “berah”, meaning “bright” or “shining”. The surname is a common element in Swiss German-speaking regions such as Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
Variants of the surname Bircher include Bercher, Beercher, Berscher, Beirch, Biersch, Bierscher, Bürsch, Bürscher, Bürcher, and Bürscher. Other variants include Burch, Burck, Burkhart, Bürck, Burkhardt, and Bürklein. The French variant of Bircher is Bécher.
In English-speaking countries, the surname is often spelled Birch or Byrch. In Northern Ireland, it is often spelled Burtch.
In Scotland, the surname is spelled Barchair or Barcar. In the United States, the surname is often spelled Birch, Burch, or Berch.
Surnames of a similar origin include Bicher, Birker, Berker, Berkheimer, Berky, Erger, and Richer.
Famous people with the name Bircher
- Ben Bircher: Actor and filmmaker who fought in Syria and is seen in episodes of Suits, The Bold Type, Open Heart and many more.
- Robert Bircher: U.S. Air Force Brigadier General and commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing
- Stephanie Bircher: American combat veteran who served a total of 8 years in the Air Force, including 3 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan
- Sally Bircher: Executive Producer of the Emmy Award-winning medical drama, Grey's Anatomy
- Donnie Bircher: Professional skateboarder and television personality known for his appearances on MTV shows such as Jackass and Nitro Circus
- Jake Bircher: Third-generation race car driver and winner of multiple NASCAR championships
- Carl Bircher: German mathematician known for his work in partial differential equations
- Elizabeth Bircher: Popular children's author, best known for her books, The Little Princess and Aesop's Fables
- Joanne Bircher: International fashion designer, founder of Je t'aime Collection
- Robert Bircher: American jazz musician who won the Grammy Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album in 2006