wher

Wher is a rare surname of English origin. Its etymology is uncertain, but some theories suggest it may derive from a Middle English word meaning "door" or "gate," possibly indicating an ancestor who lived near such a feature or was a gatekeeper. Another possibility is a topographic origin, referring to someone who lived near a "wehr" or dam, a structure used to control water flow.

The name is not widespread and is primarily found in certain regions of England, though its historical distribution is not extensively documented. As with many surnames that evolved over centuries, variations in spelling likely existed in historical records, making precise tracking difficult. Information on notable individuals with the surname wher is limited due to its relative rarity. Research into genealogical records and historical documents would be necessary to uncover more specific details about its origins and spread. The name's scarcity suggests it may have arisen from a localized occupational or locational descriptor that did not propagate widely.