Drucker
Any ideas as to what this surname means and/or where it comes from?I believe the owner is Jewish, but I'm afraid that's the only background I have on it.Thanks in advance.
vote up1vote down

Replies

DRUCKER is the German word for "printer," but I doubt that it's an occupational name.In Grimms Wörterbuch I found this: 1. wie bedrücker, unterdrücker, exactor, exagitator STIELER 342. > oppressor2. geizhals. drucker, karger filz der kauft und immer zurück kauft SCHOTTEL 1305. STIELER 342. RÄDLEIN 203a. > miser, skinflint3. wie druckser. drucker dem man schwer ein gespräch abgewinnen kann SCHMID Schwäb. wörterb. 144. dröcker SCHMIDT Westerwäld. idiot. 49. > a person who is not talkativeSo at least 2. and 3. seem to be a likely explanation to this name.p.s. : My (pretty meagre) Yiddish dirctionary does not give a hint
vote up1vote down
According to Jean Tosti's website "printer" is the one. He states that printing was a common occupation among Ashkenazic Jews in the 15th century. So, bearing in mind that adoption of hereditary surnames often took place later among Jews than among other communities, post-15th century wouldn't be unlikely.
vote up1vote down
The Oxford Dictionary of American Family Names clearly says that you are right:http://www.ancestry.com/facts/Drucker-name-meaning.ashx
vote up1vote down