Surname Harr - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Unraveling the Intricate Tapestry of My Ancestry: Cultural and Historical Insights from My Harr Family Line
Advancements in genetic testing have enabled an exploration into my past. Undergoing an iGENEA DNA test, I have unearthed exciting elements of my familial history that have provided a sense of identity and a deeper understanding of my roots. Discovering the cultural significance and history of my surname, Harr, has led me from the plains of Germany to the rugged landscapes of the British Isles, reciting sagas of distinguishing characteristics, military valor, and a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
M. Harr
read moreHarr: What does the surname Harr mean?
The last name Harr (or Har) is an Anglo-Saxon patronymic surname, derived from the personal name Harry. English surnames beginning with the prefix "Har-" usually refer to people named after a person who was known for having a particular quality or attribute.
In early English records, "Harr" was found to be an alternate spelling for the surname Harry. Harry comes from the Germanic elements "hari" (meaning "army") and "ric" (meaning "power"). The name was also used to translate the Latin word "Hericus", meaning "heraldic" or "of a noble or warlike family".
In some instances, the surname Harr is derived from the Anglo-Scottish personal name Harrold, which in turn originated from the Old French personal name Herold, which meant "army commander".
Throughout the centuries, the spelling of Harr and Har has been found to be varied in spellings, not all of which were related to the same origin. For instance, it was sometimes spelled as Harri, Harre, and Haiir. Its spellings can also be found in other languages, such as in Dutch and German.
Today, people bearing the Harr surname can mostly be found in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. It is a relatively common last name, with approximately 20,656 individuals with the name in the United States, according to the 2020 US Census.
Order DNA origin analysisHarr: Where does the name Harr come from?
The last name Harr is still quite common, particularly in America and in countries of Central Europe, as well as in some parts of Scandinavia.
The name Harr is thought to have originated in Germany and is derived from the German word "harren" meaning "man". The Harr family first appeared in the Middle Ages as a noble family, which may explain why the surname remains quite popular today.
In America, the Harr surname is primarily found among descendants of German immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the 1700s and 1800s. However, it is also prevalent in Central Europe, particularly in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary.
In addition, the Harr surname is seen among some Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, as well as in countries such as Australia, Canada, and Mexico. It is believed that this surname may have arrived in Scandinavia through emigration from Germany.
The Harr surname is particularly associated with Pennsylvania, where it became firmly established after the arrival of German immigrants in the 1700s. The surname is also quite well known in Illinois, although to a lesser degree.
Therefore, the last name Harr remains fairly common today, particularly in countries of Central Europe, such as Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as in countries such as Australia, Canada, and Mexico. It is also quite popular in the United States, specifically in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
Variations of the surname Harr
The surname Harr has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Har, Hear, Haer, Hairs, Haris, Harres, Hares, Harie, Harriss, Harles, Haris, Haire, Harris, Hearys, Hearish, Hearis, Harrees, Harries, Haress, Hariss, Harres, and Harez.
The spelling differences most commonly encountered in the surname include Har, Haris, Harres, Harrah, Hairs, Harris, Harriss, Hearish, Hearis, Harles, Harreys, Hearys, Harie, Haress, Haire, Haer, and Harez. These variations likely stem from different regional dialects and phonetic spellings in the languages of the native populations or regions from which the families originated.
The surname Harr is believed to have evolved from a combination of Old English and Germanic origins, as well as Norse and Gothic. It has also been suggested that the Harr surname is derived from "hara" and "here" from the Old English, meaning "army" and "army leader," respectively. Other research indicates that the Harr surname could be derived from Germanic "heir," meaning a leader or nobleman, and Old Norse and Gothic "har," meaning "battle group."
In summary, the surname Harr is a combination of multiple Old English, Germanic, Norse, and Gothic origins. It has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, all derived from "hara" and "here," "heir," or "har," in various regional dialects.
Famous people with the name Harr
- John Harr: former CEO of John Harr & Co. and lifetime achievement award winner from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
- Diane Harr: American actress and comedian, known for roles in Ghostbusters, Spaceballs, and Aeon Flux.
- Paul Harr: American actor and screenwriter, best known for his roles in movies like Jurassic Park III and A Walk to Remember.
- Reggie Harr: former professional basketball player who also owned multiple food franchises.
- Maren Morris: country music singer-songwriter and Grammy Award winner whose real name is Maren Larae Harr.
- Richard Harr: former college football and basketball player for the University of Georgia.
- Michael Harr: executive producer and director of films such as The Iron Giant, The Truman Show, and Doctor Dolittle.
- Jeff Harr: American actor who is well known for roles in television shows like NCIS: Los Angeles and Parks and Recreation.
- Brandon Harr: British actor and comedian, with parts in major productions such as Les Miserables and Pride and Prejudice.
- Christina Harr: fashion designer and illustrator who attended the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology.