History and Significance of the Surname Kollrich

The surname 'Kollrich' is a unique and interesting surname that has its origins in different parts of the world. It is not a very common surname, but it has been recorded in various countries over the years. In this article, we will explore the history and meaning of the surname 'Kollrich', as well as its prevalence in different countries.

Origin and Meaning

The surname 'Kollrich' is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'kolrich', which means 'coal mine'. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname were likely associated with coal mining in some way. The surname may have originated as an occupational surname, referring to someone who worked in or owned a coal mine.

German Incidence

In Germany, the surname 'Kollrich' has a moderate incidence rate, with 44 occurrences per million people. This means that it is not a very common surname in Germany, but it is not extremely rare either. The surname is most commonly found in regions with a history of coal mining, such as the Ruhr valley in western Germany.

Argentina

In Argentina, the surname 'Kollrich' has a much higher incidence rate, with 69 occurrences per million people. This suggests that the surname may have been brought to Argentina by German immigrants, who settled in the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants may have been drawn to Argentina by the promise of work in the mining or agricultural industries.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, the surname 'Kollrich' has a very low incidence rate, with only 1 occurrence per million people. This suggests that the surname is extremely rare in Switzerland, and may have only a few bearers in the country. The low incidence rate could be due to Switzerland's small population and lack of historical ties to coal mining. Overall, the surname 'Kollrich' is an intriguing surname with a unique origin and meaning. It has varying levels of incidence in different countries, with the highest rates in Argentina and Germany, and the lowest rate in Switzerland. Despite its relatively low prevalence, the surname 'Kollrich' is a reminder of the diverse origins of surnames and the many stories they can tell about our ancestors.