Surname Shorr - Meaning and Origin
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Shorr: What does the surname Shorr mean?
The surname Shorr is of Jewish Ashkenazi origin. The term "Ashkenazi" refers to Jewish societies that were established around the Rhine in France and Germany. The exact meaning of ‘Shorr’ is unclear but like many Ashkenazi Jewish surnames, it could be derived from a place, a profession, a personal characteristic, or a patronymic. It is also possible that it may have derived from the Hebrew name 'Shur', which is one of the tribes of Israel. Some sources suggest that 'Shur' means 'behold' or 'watcher'. However, meanings of surnames can differ and it's important to note that the exact meaning may vary based on the lineage and history of a specific family. Also, the original name may have morphed over generations due to migration and changes in language or for other socio-cultural reasons. Therefore, while it's clear that Shorr is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname, the precise definition may not be as clear-cut.
Order DNA origin analysisShorr: Where does the name Shorr come from?
The last name Shorr is most commonly found in North America, particularly the United States and Canada. Records indicate that the name was brought to the continent by European immigrants in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.
According to census records, the largest concentration of people with the last name of Shorr is in Pennsylvania, followed by New York, Ohio, Illinois, and California. Smaller numbers have been reported in New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and Massachusetts.
Genealogists believe that the Shorr name originated in Germany. Oral tradition suggests that German-Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution in Europe may have been early bearers of the name.
Today, the Shorr surname is still relatively uncommon compared to some other names. Searching the internet reveals a range of Shorrs with a wide variety of professions, hobbies, and interests, including art, athletics, technology, and education.
Most descendants of immigrants bearing the Shorr name today likely have no direct connection to their ancestors who made the journey to North America centuries ago, but the example they set of courage and resilience continues to be honored and celebrated.
Variations of the surname Shorr
Shorr is a surname of German origin. The most common variations of the Shorr surname are Shor, Schorr, Shorer, Shohr, Schores, Shoesmith, Shoreman, Schore, Shoemaker, Shuemaker, and Showalter. The surname has also been partially Anglicized in some cases, resulting in variants such as Shoreland, Shorewood, and Shorwood.
There are numerous variants of the spellings for Shorr, which include Shor, Shore, Scheur, Shur, Schore(s), Schorer, Sure, Showalter, Shuemaker, Shoesmith, Shurr, Shoor, Shoresmith, Schurman, Schourer, Schower, Schowalter, Schuyer, Shour, Schaur, Schaurer, Schauroth, Schauroff, Schauer, and even in some cases, Shawer.
The Shorr surname likely has multiple origins, including over 50 different regional backgrounds. These regional backgrounds can range from North German to Swiss-German, Austrian-German to Russian-Jewish. In North German regions, the name was likely first found in the Sheran line of East Prussia, which is where many Schorr families trace their ancestry to.
Overall, the Shorr surname is a variant of an old Germanic name, with variants that can be traced to many different regions. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Shorr have been influenced by the various regions and countries the surname has spread to over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Shorr
- Ellen Shorr: an artist and illustrator who is well-known for creating both abstract art and concept illustrations.
- Fred Shorr: a former professional NASCAR driver who won at the 1981 Daytona 500.
- Michael Shorr: a Hollywood producer known for producing the critically acclaimed films The Fighter and The Kids Are All Right.
- Paul Shorr: a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer who has released several critically acclaimed jazz and pop albums.
- Adam Shorr: a music video director and choreographer who has directed videos for well-known musicians such as Pink, Rihanna, and Mariah Carey.
- David Shorr: a conservative commentator and political analyst who has contributed to Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, and The New York Times.
- Geoff Shorr: a news anchor for CBS 5 in Arizona and previously worked as a host and reporter for WKMG-TV in Orlando.
- Robert Shorr: a former president of the Brookings Institution and a leading United States political advisor.
- Anthony Shorr: an orthopedic surgeon and medical researcher who has been named one of the top doctors in America by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.
- Bernie Shorr: a major-league baseball scout since 1993 who has worked for some of the top teams in the game such as the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.