Surname Kathöwer - Meaning and Origin
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Kathöwer: What does the surname Kathöwer mean?
The last name Kathöwer is of German origin and likely has some roots in the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Old German words "kath," meaning bit or piece, and "höwer," meaning workman or laborer. This suggests the name originally referred to a metalworker who was skilled and precise in his trade.
The surname Kathöwer also has ties to the military. Back when professional soldiers were scarce, local militias were formed to provide the necessary defense. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Germany, these militias were called the "Kathöwers." This suggests the name started more broadly as a term for any laborer with military experience before it evolved into a surname.
Throughout the centuries, the surname Kathöwer has spread to many countries, such as the Netherlands, Poland, and Austria. It is still a relatively common name throughout those regions and serves as a reminder of Germany’s past military and metalworking culture.
Order DNA origin analysisKathöwer: Where does the name Kathöwer come from?
The surname Kathöwer can be found predominately in Germany today. It is an uncommon and rare name, but it is not unheard of in other parts of Europe, North America, and around the world.
In Germany, Kathöwer can be found in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Schleswig-Flensburg, and especially in the area between the two. The name appears on church records dating back to the 1700s. Since the 1800s, the name has spread to other parts of Germany and beyond.
In the United States, Kathöwer is not listed among the top surnames in the U.S. Census Bureau list, however it is not unheard of. Though there are few to no bearers of the name, it can be found today in cities such as Chicago and Cleveland.
In other countries, such as Canada, France, Sweden, and Poland, families bearing the surname Kathöwer can be traced all the way back to the 1700s. Records show this name being passed down from generations, which helps explain why the name is found outside of Germany.
Today, the surname of Kathöwer is uncommon, but it can be found globally, especially in its homeland of Germany. Families bearing this surname extend widely from Europe to North America.
Variations of the surname Kathöwer
The surname Kathöwer originated in Germany in the 1500’s, and is traditionally spelled Kathöwer, Kathoever, Kathöver, or Kathever. It is a patronymic surname, derived from the given name Kather, which was used as a given name at the time. Today, the surname is used across many cultures and countries, and can be found with variants and alternative spellings such as Kathoyer, Kather, Kathöer, Kathauer, Kathower, and Kathouwer.
In the United States, the surname Kathöwer is most common in the Midwest and East Coast. Surnames of the same origin include Katoever, Katower, Katowery, Katoery, Catower, Katohwer, and Katoher.
In Eastern Europe, the surname is spelled Kathöwer and is usually Munich-American or German-American in origin. Other variants include Katohwer, Katoer, and Katorwer.
In France, the surname Kathöwer is derived from the French word “cathétier” which means “notice” or “to accuse”, and is usually a variation of the German name Kathevier. Variants of the French spelling include Kéthoyer, Stheoyer, and Catheier.
In England, the surname Kathöwer is originally derived from the Old English "caethewyr", and is most common in the Southern counties. Variants of the name include Kathewr, Cathoir, and Katherwood.
In Ireland, the surname Kathöwer is derived from the Old Irish “cath" meaning “battle”, and is usually derived from the name Cacus. Variants of the Irish spelling include Cathoaer, Cathoyr, and Cathaire.
No matter where or how the surname Kathöwer is spelled, all of these variants and alternative spellings are derived from the same origin.
Famous people with the name Kathöwer
- MeretKathöwer, German actress
- JörgKathöwer, German composer
- Monica Kathöwer, German blogger
- StephanKathöwer, German politician
- BennoKathöwer, German social worker
- PaulKathöwer, German musician
- FriederikeKathöwer, German entrepreneur
- SuzanneKathöwer, German journalist
- MadeleineKathöwer, German author
- BenediktKathöwer, German director
- PatriciaKathöwer, German artist
- HermannKathöwer, German diplomat
- UlrichKathöwer, German painter
- AntonKathöwer, German sculptor
- JohannesKathöwer, American actor