SILBER Origin of surname
SILBER, ZILBER
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade).
Silber is an occupational surname for a "silversmith" or a money changer. It is the German and Yiddish translation of the Hebrew Kesef ("silver") in Hebrew and Argentum in Latin (so named in both languages after its pale color). Since the consonants "b" and "v" are inter-changeable Hebrew, Latin and Yiddish, Silber is often found in the form Silver in Eastern Europe as well as in English-speaking countries. Silver is mentioned throughout the Bible, starting with Genesis when Abraham went out of Egypt, he "was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold" (Genesis 13.1-2, 23.15). The earliest descriptions of the products of silversmiths, and the names of the craftsmen Bezalel Ben Uri and Aholiab Ben Ahisamach, are given in Exodus 31.2. Silber families are recorded in 19th century Russia, Lithuania, and the USA. A distinguished bearer of this name was the 20th century American rabbi, author and journalist, Mendel Silber.
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade).
Silber is an occupational surname for a "silversmith" or a money changer. It is the German and Yiddish translation of the Hebrew Kesef ("silver") in Hebrew and Argentum in Latin (so named in both languages after its pale color). Since the consonants "b" and "v" are inter-changeable Hebrew, Latin and Yiddish, Silber is often found in the form Silver in Eastern Europe as well as in English-speaking countries. Silver is mentioned throughout the Bible, starting with Genesis when Abraham went out of Egypt, he "was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold" (Genesis 13.1-2, 23.15). The earliest descriptions of the products of silversmiths, and the names of the craftsmen Bezalel Ben Uri and Aholiab Ben Ahisamach, are given in Exodus 31.2. Silber families are recorded in 19th century Russia, Lithuania, and the USA. A distinguished bearer of this name was the 20th century American rabbi, author and journalist, Mendel Silber.