Show ContentsStarcher History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Starcher is a Westphalian-German nickname. Such surnames were very common in Westphalia. They were adapted from traditional eke-names, or added names, that described physical characteristics of their bearers. Starcher is a hereditary surname for a person who was noted for being strong and powerful. The name Starcher was originally derived from the German word "starc," which means "strong."

Early Origins of the Starcher family

The surname Starcher was first found in Westphalia, where the name was associated with the noble family whose seat was in the area around Bochum. They gained a significant reputation for contributions to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates and branches, some in foreign countries, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society.

Early History of the Starcher family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Starcher research. Another 161 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1742, 1811 and 1874 are included under the topic Early Starcher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Starcher Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Starcher include Starck, Starcke, Stark, Starke (Lausitz), Staerk, Staerkel, Staerkle and many more.

Early Notables of the Starcher family

More information is included under the topic Early Starcher Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Starcher Ranking

In the United States, the name Starcher is the 10,021st most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Starcher family

After 1650, thousands of German settlers came to North America to escape the religious persecution and poverty that wracked Europe and to make the most of the opportunity to own their own land in a new country. They settled across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, and in Canada in Ontario and on the fertile plains of the prairie provinces. Among them: Johann Georg Starck, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1753. Johann Ludwig Starck came in 1771; while Conrad, Dorothea, Christiana, and Margaret Starck all arrived in New Orleans in 1820. Jacob Stark came to Philadelphia in 1750.


Contemporary Notables of the name Starcher (post 1700) +

  • Larry V. Starcher (b. 1942), American retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia
  • Buddy Starcher (1906-2001), American country singer
  • O. L. Starcher, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for West Virginia State House of Delegates from Roane County, 1966 2
  • Mark Starcher, American Republican politician, Postmaster at Ravenswood, West Virginia, 1864-67 2
  • Hazel Starcher, American Democratic Party politician, Secretary of West Virginia Democratic Party, 1964-69; Candidate for Presidential Elector for West Virginia, 1972 2
  • H. Watson Starcher, American Democratic Party politician, Member of West Virginia State House of Delegates from Cabell County, 1931-32 2
  • Ginny Starcher, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for West Virginia State House of Delegates 11th District, 1984 2
  • Everett Starcher, American politician, Member of West Virginia State House of Delegates from Roane County, 1939-40 2
  • Edwin M. Starcher (b. 1865), American Democratic Party politician, Charles Mix County State's Attorney; Delegate to Democratic National Convention from South Dakota, 1912 (member, Committee on Rules and Order of Business) 2
  • Cody A. Starcher, American Democratic Party politician, Member of West Virginia State House of Delegates 31st District; Elected 1984 2
  • ... (Another 6 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, March 9) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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