HABER
Haber
Origin and Meaning
The surname Haber has both English and Jewish origins. In England, it is derived from the Old English word "habere," meaning a "keeper" or "dweller at the habitation." It could have been an occupational name for someone who worked as a keeper or guardian, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a habitation.
Jewish Heritage
In Jewish communities, the surname Haber is derived from the Hebrew word "chaver," which means "friend" or "companion." It is a common Jewish surname, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews, and can be traced back to Eastern Europe and Germany.
Distribution and Variants
The surname Haber is most commonly found in areas with historical Jewish populations, such as Poland, Russia, Germany, and the United States. Variants of the name include Haber, Haberman, Habermann, and Habers.
Famous Individuals
- Jacob Haber (1880-1967): A Jewish-American mathematician known for his work in the field of partial differential equations.
- Gerd Haber (b. 1952): A German Olympic swimmer who competed in the 1972 Munich Olympics.
- Ruth Haber (1918-2004): An English author and poet known for her contributions to children's literature.
There are approximately 154 people named Haber in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Haber.
Religion of origin: Jewish
Language of origin: Hebrew