Show ContentsSetter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The German surname Setter is an Upper German name with roots in the southern region of Bavaria. The name is derived from the German verb "setzen," meaning "to set," and was probably first borne by someone who worked at a market or fair, setting the prices of merchandise. The Low German variation of the name, Settegast, is even more specific, meaning "one who sets the price of barley."

Early Origins of the Setter family

The surname Setter was first found in Regensburg; the first recorded bearer was Ortlieb der Setter, who lived there in 1290. The young Setter family was instrumental during this early period, playing a major role in the development of medieval Bavarian society.

Early History of the Setter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Setter research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1373, 1480, 1532, 1813 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Setter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Setter Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Setzer, Sezzer, Settegast, Settgast, Setter and many more.

Early Notables of the Setter family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Setter Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Setter migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Setter Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Oscar Setter, aged 55, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Bergensfjord" from Kristiania, Norway 1
  • Andrew Mansell Setter, aged 41, originally from South Wales, Cardiff, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Adriatic" from Southampton, England 1
  • Edina Setter, aged 14, originally from South Wales, Cardiff, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Adriatic" from Southampton, England 1
  • Andrea Setter, aged 28, who arrived in New York in 1921 aboard the ship "Mount Clay" from Hamburg, Germany 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Setter (post 1700) +

  • Richard Alfred "Rick" Setter (b. 1937), former Australian politician, Member for Jingili in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly from 1984 to 1997


  1. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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