Surname Blocker/Blocher/Plocher - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Blocker/Blocher/Plocher: What does the surname Blocker/Blocher/Plocher mean?
The surnames Blocker, Blocher, and Plocher originated from Germany and are occupational names derived from the Middle High German "blochære," which means a 'cutter of blocks'. This suggests that the initial bearers of this name were likely to have been involved in block-making, timber-working, or a similar profession. So, the name can indicate a person originating from a family of lumberjacks or woodworkers. These same names may also have derived from German or Jewish (Ashkenazic) geographical or regional habits for someone who dwelt by a field or a piece of land marked out with blocks. Like many surnames, variations in spelling can occur due to regional dialects and phonetic spellings, resulting in variations like Blocher and Plocher. However, the meanings still remain the same. Despite their different spellings, all three versions reflect a shared historical and cultural significance, connecting bearers to their ancestral occupations or locations.
Order DNA origin analysisBlocker/Blocher/Plocher: Where does the name Blocker/Blocher/Plocher come from?
Blocker, Blocher, and Plocher are surnames of German origin. They are derived from the Middle High German word "bloch," which translates to "beam" or "plank," conveying the profession of a timber or block maker. This surname was primarily used in southern and southwestern Germany, signifying an occupational name for a person involved in timber production or carpentry.
Blocher is primarily found in Switzerland. The most famous person with this surname is Christoph Blocher, a prominent Swiss industrialist and politician. Blocker is more common in the United States, with Dan Blocker being a notable person with this surname, known for his role in the classic TV western "Bonanza."
Plocher, on the other hand, although less common, is mostly found in Germany and America. The distribution of these surnames is widespread but not particularly high in frequency in any specific region. All three variations of the surname share a common occupational heritage, having been associated with woodwork or carpentry in ancient times.
Variations of the surname Blocker/Blocher/Plocher
The surnames Blocker, Blocher, and Plocher are of German origin and were traditionally used by individuals who were builders or stone cutters. There are several variations in the spelling and phonics for these names due to regional differences, dialects and even records being made by clerks who recorded them as they sounded. Some of these variants include Bloch, Blok, Blochert, Plock, Ploch, Plocher, Plokh, Plocho, Block, Blokker, and Blokzijl.
Some names that have a similar origin or wield equally occupational meanings may embrace: Steinmetz (which means stonecutter in German), Baumgartner (tree gardener), Müller (miller), and Schumacher (shoemaker).
Specifically for 'Blocker', related surnames could be Blacker or Blicker, essentially names that phonetically resemble the original. Similarly, for 'Blocher', variations could be Bloecher, Bloecker, or Blokker. For 'Plocher', you might see Ploecker, Plokhoi or Plockier.
Please note that there's no exact list since surnames can transform significantly over centuries and could also have been influenced by other factors such as migration or intermarriage.
Famous people with the name Blocker/Blocher/Plocher
- Dan Blocker: An American actor known for playing Hoss Cartwright in the television series "Bonanza."
- Dirk Blocker: Known for his role on the series "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," he is the son of Dan Blocker.
- David Blocker: An Emmy Award-winning film and television producer, he is also the son of Dan Blocker.
- Bobby Dan Davis Blocker: He was a Korean War sergeant and university professor who was awarded the Bronze Star.
- Christoph Blocher: A Swiss businessman and politician, he is a prominent representative of the Swiss People's Party.
- Sigmund J. Blocker: He was a Polish rabbi who helped rescue Jews during the Holocaust.
- Hans Plocher: A famous Nazi army officer during World War II, known for his numerous escapes from prisoner of war camps.
- Heinz Plocher: A German footballer who played as a midfielder in the 1960s for the team Gießen.
- Sandra Blocher: She is a Swiss television presenter and radio moderator.
- Magda Plocher: She was a Polish Righteous Among the Nations, honored for her humanitarian efforts during the Holocaust.