Surname Schirbe - Meaning and Origin
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Schirbe: What does the surname Schirbe mean?
The last name Schirbe is derived from the Old German personal name “Scirbe”, which itself is derived from the Old High German “skirban” meaning “protector” or “one who serves”. The surname is particularly associated with the German region of Schleswig-Holstein. It is believed that a family known as the von Schirbes, whose ancestors had apparently served as noblemen dating back to the Middle Ages, gave rise to the Schirbe surname.
This surname is likely to have been borne by people who either served as protectors or as servants. Although the protection may have been for the land or people, or both, other examples of those who bore the name were prominent in court service and military service.
The Schirbe name is closely associated with the North German area of Schleswig-Holstein, a region now part of Germany, but it is believed that families bearing the Schirbe surname may have originated in other parts of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
In the modern day, the last name Schirbe remains a rare yet cherished name throughout Europe. It is still seen in Germany in particular, representing the region's proud history, and may be carried by those who still take pride in military service or protecting their land and people. It is a last name that withstood the test of time and, to this day, will continue to be the symbol of strength, protection and service.
Order DNA origin analysisSchirbe: Where does the name Schirbe come from?
The surname Schirbe is most commonly seen in German-speaking countries today, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found, albeit more rarely, in other places where German-speaking immigrants have settled over time, including the United States, Canada, Latin America, and South Africa.
Schirbe is a patronymic surname derived from the Germanic personal name “Schirbuoht” which means “shepherd” or “guardian”. It is believed to have originated in the Medieval region of Bavaria during the 11th century, and was taken up as a surname in the Middle Ages.
Variations of the surname Schirbe include Scherb, Scherbahn, Scherben, Scherbener, Scherbler, Scherbitsch, and Scherbow. As these variations reflect, Schirbe can be further classified as a variation of the protective occupational surname “Scherb”, which is derived from the German term for “carpenter,” and was originally given to craftsmen and masons.
Since the 16th century, the Schirbe surname has spread across the German-speaking diaspora, and today can be found in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe. So while Schirbe is most commonly encountered in German-speaking countries, its reach is much broader.
Variations of the surname Schirbe
The surname Schirbe is a German last name. It is primarily found in central and northern Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Its variants and variations are found in spellings such as Schirbel, Schirbelo, Schirbo, Schirbela, Schirbele, Schirbeler and Schirbeler.
The surname can also be found in other surnames of the same origin. These include Sherbo, Schierb, Schierbe, Schirb, Schirbal, Schirbelo, Schirbee, Schirbell, Schirbel, Schirben, Schirbke, Schirbock, Schirbolt, Schirbon, Schirbott, Schirbst, Schirby, Schirct, Schirdb, Schirde, and Shirde.
Along with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the surname has spread to many countries and cultures. In the United States, it can be found as Sherwood, Sherbin, Sherberry, Sherbet, and Sherbey. In France and Latin countries, it can be found as Schwindt, Schwing, Schwab, and Schwaab. In the Netherlands, it is found as Schirm and Schirmer. In Russia, it is found as Chernabogskiy, and Sherbich. Additionally, the surname is found in Scotland, Italy, Hungary, Croatia and so on.
In each case, though the spelling or name might be changed, its origin and meaning remain consistent. Within its various variations and spellings, Schirbe is a common alternative to Schieber, a Lower German surname for ‘merchant’ or ‘dealer’. The Schirbe surname is believed to be a variation of this, and thus suggests its first bearers worked in commerce or trade.
Famous people with the name Schirbe
- Maximilian Schirbe: a German social media influencer, model, and actor.
- Josef Schirbe: a Russian Olympic athlete who competed in field hockey.
- Philipp Schirbe: an Austrian philosopher and postdoctoral researcher.
- Jürgen Schirbe: a German professional football player and coach.
- Christine Schirbe: a Swiss innovator and social entrepreneur.
- Chris Schirbe: an American actor and voiceover artist.
- August Schirbe: a German theologian and ordained minister.
- Robert Schirbe: a German professor and researcher specializing in physics.
- Diana Schirbe: a Spanish actress best known for her roles in the television show 'El Señor de Los Cielos'.
- Leopold Schirbe: a Swiss politician and Member of the Swiss National Council.