Show ContentsKecher History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Kecher family

The surname Kecher was first found in Norfolk where the "surname is derived from a nickname 'the catcher,' a huntsman, a follower of the chase." 1

The first records of the family were found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273: Adam le Cacher, Norfolk; and Richard le Catchcre, Norfolk. 1

The History of Norfolk notes William Catchare, Norfolk, temp. Edward I and Hugh Catchare, Norfolk, 3 Edward III. 2

Early History of the Kecher family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kecher research. Another 78 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1455, 1487, 1584, 1586 and 1624 are included under the topic Early Kecher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kecher Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Kecher have been found, including Catcher, Cacher, Ketcher, Kecher and others.

Early Notables of the Kecher family

Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kecher Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kecher family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Kecher, or a variant listed above: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print


Houseofnames.com on Facebook