scher

Scher is a surname of Germanic origin that appears in several European languages and in communities descended from European emigrants. In German- and Dutch-speaking regions it is encountered alongside related forms such as Scherer, Scher, Scherr, and Scherrer. Some instances of Scher may be independent surname forms, while others are reduced or regional variants of longer names. The exact etymology is not definitively established in contemporary onomastic references; as with many Germanic surnames, it may reflect occupational, descriptive, or toponymic origins, or it may have originated as a shortened form of a longer surname.

In modern times, bearers of the surname Scher appear in multiple countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, and Israel, reflecting centuries of migration and diaspora. Records show the name across diverse populations, with no single meaning attached beyond family identity and heritage. The surname tends to be more common as a family name than a given name, though it may appear as a personal name in rare cases.

Notable individuals with the surname Scher have contributed in various fields, such as academia, business, and the arts, but no universally recognized figure is tied to the name in the way some other surnames are. The name's presence in different regions has contributed to a variety of pronunciations and spellings, depending on language and local orthography.

Related surnames and variants include Scherer, Scherr, and Scherrer.