Aicher

Aicher is a German-language surname that is most common in Austria and southern Germany, where it appears as a variant of the occupational name for a ferryman or a local farmer. The name is derived from the Middle Low German word eichel, meaning "oak" or "acorn," suggesting a connection to people who lived near oak groves or worked with acorn seed. Historical records from the 14th century indicate the surname in the region of Upper Austria, while later demographic data show a steady presence throughout the Bavarian-Munich area.

In the modern era, the Aicher name has been associated with several professionals in diverse fields. Hans Aicher (1923–1998) was a noted Austrian botanist whose work on alpine flora earned him membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In sports, Peter Aicher (born 1984) is a professional Austrian handball goalkeeper who played for the national team during the 2008 European Championships. Contemporary figures include Nele Aicher, a German-born architect whose firm has received awards for sustainable building designs in Berlin. The surname also appears in the arts; Mariette Aicher (1901–1975) was a Belgian illustrator known for her book illustrations in the interwar period.

Although not a top-tier name in terms of frequency, Aicher is well-established in the cultural and professional landscapes of German-speaking Europe. The surname is typically pronounced /ˈaɪçɐ/ in German, with the characteristic ch sound. In genealogical research, the Aicher line often intersects with other Low German surnames such as Eich and Eicher, reflecting common regional naming practices tied to natural features and occupations.