Schroeder
What is the origin of the last name Schroeder?
Meaning and origin
The last name Schroeder originates from Germany and is derived from the occupational name "Schneider," meaning "tailor" in German. Over time, the spelling evolved to "Schroeder," possibly influenced by Low German dialects. This surname was commonly adopted by individuals who were engaged in tailoring or associated crafts.
The longer story
The last name Schroeder has origins in Germany, specifically in the region of northern Germany known as Schleswig-Holstein. It is a patronymic surname, derived from the personal name Schröder, which means "tailor" in German. The name can be traced back to the Middle High German word "schröter," which carries the same meaning.
In records dating back to the 13th century, Schroeder was frequently mentioned as a surname in the city of Lübeck in northern Germany. Over time, the surname spread throughout the region and became increasingly common.
The meaning of Schroeder as "tailor" likely originated from the practice of using the suffix "-er" to indicate a profession or occupation in German. This is a common naming pattern in the German language. Notably, "schröter" in Middle High German primarily referred to someone who stitched or sewed.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#489
Schroeder was the 489th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 67,977 people, about 23 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Schroeder
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Schroeder is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.