Show ContentsSour History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Sour family

The surname Sour was first found in Austria, where the name was an integral part of the feudal society which would shape modern European history. Many prominent branches of the family would strive to make this name renowned as they contributed to the social, economic and political affairs of the region. The family, which originated from the Sau river region, became prominent in local affairs in the Krain, Carinthian, and Styrian regions. Dieteri Galleri was the first to take on this name, and according to chronicles, appeared under the name Caspar Sauer as early as 1313. They branched into many cadet houses which played important roles in the national conflicts, as each group sought power and status in an ever changing territorial profile.

Early History of the Sour family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sour research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1556, 1630, 1648 and 1668 are included under the topic Early Sour History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sour Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Sauer, Sauerer, Sour, Sourer, Sauers, Sours, Zauer and many more.

Early Notables of the Sour family

During this period prominent bearers of the name Sour were Georg Sauer von Kosiach, who became in 1556 the general of the Croatian border and commander of Carlstadt. His brother was a general...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sour Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sour family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Christopher Saur, who came to Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1734. Adam Sauer came to Philadelphia in 1731; Henrich Sauer arrived in Philadelphia in 1733.


Contemporary Notables of the name Sour (post 1700) +

  • Robert Sour (1905-1985), American lyricist and composer, President of Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI)
  • Arthur William "Art" Sour Jr. (1924-2000), American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Louisiana, 1988 1
  • David Sour, American politician, Member of South Dakota State House of Representatives 59th District, 1919-22 1
  • Hilda Sour (1915-2003), Chilean actress and singer who had an extensive career in Argentina and Mexico from the 1930s through 1971


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 25) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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