Bauer

Bauer is a German surname meaning "farmer." It derives from the Middle High German bouwer, which itself comes from Old High German bouwa, namesake of an occupation. The surname reflects the medieval practice of identifying individuals by their trade.

Bauer is among the most common surnames in German-speaking countries and has spread internationally through migration and diasporas. It is particularly prevalent in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and is common among populations of German descent in the United States and other places. Variants are rare but may appear in records where umlauts are rendered as "Ae" or where regional spellings differ.

Notable individuals bearing the surname include Bruno Bauer (1809–1882), a German philosopher and educator associated with the Young Hegelians. The name has been borne by numerous politicians, scientists, artists, and athletes across the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

In modern usage, Bauer is used in German to mean "farmer" and in chess notation to denote a pawn (der Bauer). The surname has also become the name of brands and organizations, such as Bauer Hockey, a leading manufacturer of ice hockey equipment.