Surname Pirchner - Meaning and Origin
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Pirchner: What does the surname Pirchner mean?
The last name Pirchner is believed to be of German origin. Derived from the German word 'pirchen', which means to build or construct, the name 'Pirchner' was first used as a surname in the early 1500s. Its first known holder was a certain Helbricht or Heindrich Pirchener, who lived in the small Bavarian town of Pfiaz. The name spread throughout Germany during the 1500s and 1600s as its variations gradually became more common.
In its original form, the name was a combination of the German words 'pir' or 'pirchen' and 'er', which both translate to "builder" or "constructor." The name could be used descriptively to refer to a member of a family who worked in carpentry, masonry, stonework, or any other related type of craft or trade. However, over time, 'Pirchner' became an official surname and was used to designate membership in a particular family lineage, rather than describe an individual's occupation.
Today, the name Pirchner does not necessarily have to do with a particular trade, but it still has a strong connotation of hard work, quality craftsmanship, and creative skill. It is not as common as it was prior to the 20th century, but there are still many Pirchners living today, mostly in Germany and Austria.
Order DNA origin analysisPirchner: Where does the name Pirchner come from?
The last name Pirchner is most commonly found in Austria and neighboring countries today. It is a relatively uncommon name, though its prevalence has been increasing slightly over the last century.
The first known recorded mentions of the name Pirchner can be traced back to late medieval Austria, where the name was used more commonly in the Regensburg region. Here the name was used by farmers and artisans. Over time, some families with this name moved away from the area, leading to a slight but steady decrease in the name’s prevalence in this region.
In the early 19th century, the name began to become more common in the Vienna area, where many families started to take on the name for reasons that are unclear. Later, in the 20th century, an increased mobility of An Alps allowed for more families to spread the surname around Europe.
The surname is now more commonly associated with Austria, especially in and around Vienna, but can also be found in the surrounding countries. The most recent data shows that on average, 0.3% of the population of Austria is made up of people with the last name Pirchner, and 0.1% of the population in neighboring countries.
Variations of the surname Pirchner
The surname Pirchner is derived from the ancient German given name "Birchner" which means "birch keeper" or "lives by the birch tree". It is also common as "Birchnere" meaning he is a birch jug maker.
Variants of Pirchner include Pirchnere, Beerchner, B'Erchner, Barchner, Berchen, Berchner, Beirchner, Beirchnere, Pirchen, Berchnere, Beerchnere, B'Erchnere, Berchne, Broichner, Pirchne, Peirchner, Peirchnere, Bairchner and Byernere.
Common spellings are Pirchner, Birchner, Pirchnere, Berchen, Berchner, Beerchner, Beirchner, Beirchnere, Pirchen, Berchnere, Beerchnere, B'Erchnere, Berchne, Broichner, Pirchne, Peirchner, Peirchnere, Bairchner and Byernere, respectively.
Several other spellings and variants of Pirchner also exist, such as Birckner, Birch, Barch, Barkhovener, Berchtold, Buchener, Birck, and Bucher. Many families with these surnames may have also changed their spelling over time through various factors such as migration, marriage and population movements.
The surname Pirchner is also associated with many other surnames, such as Pfirchner, Prichner and Pirchinger. Similarly, the variants appear to be associated with Auberchner, Aubere, Auberne, Auber, Obereiner, Oberneiner, Oberninger and Oberner, among others.
No matter which spelling or variation is used, the surname Pirchner is of German origin and indicates that the family has a historical connection with birch trees.
Famous people with the name Pirchner
- Elisabeth Pirchner: Austrian actress, known for Das Erlebnis (1989) and Der Himmel über Vienna (1989).
- Alexander Pirchner: Austrian composer, conductor, and professor of musicology at the University of Vienna.
- Heiner Pirchner: Austrian composer, bass, and music producer, most known for his work in Austrian cover bands such as Wanda (1974-81).
- Ulrike Pirchner: Austrian actress, known for Bratislava, My Love (2009) and Die Abenteuer des Pirx (1957).
- Markus Pirchner: Austrian composer, songwriter, and theatre director, best known for his work in improvisational theatre.
- Kurt Pirchner: Austrian artist and sculptor, known for his large-scale public works in Vienna.
- Christoph Pirchner: Austrian writer, journalist, and political analyst, best known for his 1997 novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
- Werner Pirchner: Austrian sculptor and photographer, known for his abstract silver gelatin prints.
- Ulrich Pirchner: Austrian actor, known for his work in the National Theatre ensemble at the Vienna State Opera.
- Martha Pirchner: Austrian actress, mother to Ulrike Pirchner and sister to Ulrich Pirchner.