Surname Prasser - Meaning and Origin
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Prasser: What does the surname Prasser mean?
The last name Prasser is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word, 'prasse', which means 'pig'. Historically, when surnames were developed in Germany, they were often associated with occupation or a particular place. In this case, Prasser may have been a person who raised or sold pigs, or may have come from a village with that name. It is also possible that Prasser could have referred to an area known for providing access to pigs, or even to a nickname for a person painted as 'lecherous' like a pig.
Today, Prasser is a relatively uncommon surname within Germany. It is more widely found in other Central and Eastern European regions, primarily Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Records suggest that as of the late 19th century, the Prasser name was being used in towns across these countries, both in rural and urban areas.
More recently, some people with the Prasser surname have arrived in the United States and Canada, likely as a result of their ancestors migrating.
In modern times, individuals with the Prasser name have distinguished themselves both in their own homelands and overseas. For example, there are Max Prasser, a World Champion strongman, and Maria Augusta Prasser, a pioneering Austrian poet. As such, the Prasser last name will likely continue to be carried by individuals of note well into the twenty-first century.
Order DNA origin analysisPrasser: Where does the name Prasser come from?
The surname Prasser is most commonly found in its native Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany and the Czech Republic. It has also spread to Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and Moldova.
The origin of the surname Prasser is likely medieval German or Bavarian. It derives from the old German word “prasse” meaning “to press” or “to squeeze”. This is likely referencing the pressing of grapes in wine-making processes or the pressing of oats to make flour. Many surnames that originated from German Medieval times are associated with occupations and Prasser is likely no exception.
In the US, Prasser is quite an uncommon last name and is primarily associated with those of German, Austrian, Czech, and Slovak descent. Prasser tends to be most widespread in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, with households also present in California, Texas, and New York.
Prasser is also a very rare surname in the UK, however there are a few households found in Greater London, as well as smaller numbers located in Manchester and Birmingham. In Canada, the last name Prasser can be found in Ontario and Quebec, with some households also located in British Columbia.
Overall, Prasser tends to be most heavily concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe, especially among those of German, Austrian, and Czech ancestry. In other parts of the world, Prasser is a relatively uncommon name, with a few households located in the US, UK, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Prasser
The surname Prasser is thought to have originated in the area of Bohemia, part of what is now the Czech Republic. There are a variety of spellings, surnames and variants of Prasser that have made their way across Europe and the world over the centuries. Some of these include Pfoser, Pfrasse, Prassel, Pressel, Prässer, Preßer, Prasser, Prasal, Prassler and Prahser.
Most of the variants and surnames of Prasser have the same root, meaning “one who is an adventurer”. This could be a reference to someone who traveled across a large area, looking for opportunities, or to an inquisitive person who was always curious about the world around them.
It is believed that this name was adopted by a number of families over the centuries, and that as time went on, the spellings and variants changed with each family. Since each family had a different accent or dialect, it is likely that the spelling of the surname changed accordingly.
The surname Prasser has also been found in a number of different countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. In these countries, the spelling was mostly Phrasser, which is the closest spelling to the original name. In Germany, the name Pfoser also evolved, being more common in the southern part of the country.
Overall, the surname Prasser has evolved and changed over time, with a multitude of spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin. Considering its original meaning of “one who is an adventurer”, it is likely that this surname is popular among people who are curious and adventurous, seeking out new knowledge and experiences wherever they can find them.
Famous people with the name Prasser
- Eric Prasser: American filmmaker and producer
- Erika Prasser: Canadian freestyle wrestler
- Florian Prasser: German luger, world championship bronze medalist
- Frederic Prasser: French photographer
- Gretel Prasser: Austrian figure skater
- Jack Prasser: American football player
- Jonathan Prasser: Israeli violinist
- Hans Prasser: Austrian painter
- Georg Prasser: Austrian skier
- Hans Prasser: German skier
- Phillip Prasser: Swiss composer
- Karen Prasser: American biologist
- Konrad Prasser: German historian
- Kathy Prasser: American marketing professor
- Nicole Prasser: American sculptor
- Robert Prasser: German director
- Rita Prasser: Austrian film actress
- Winifred Prasser: German ballet dancer
- Ulrich Prasser: German physicist
- Victoria Prasser: Austrian designer