EPHROS Origin of surname
EPHROS
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.
This Jewish family name can be traced to biblical sources and place names. Ephros/Efros is associated with Efrat/Ephrath, the name of a place north of Jerusalem, or with Efrat, another name for Bethlehem. It is also a variant of Ephraimite, for instance in Judges 12.5. The biblical Ephrath was the wife of Caleb and mother of Hur (1 Chronicles 2, 19). The Jewish family name appears in 14th century Spain as Efrati, and later in central Europe and Russia as Ephrati, Ephrussi, Efros and Ha-Efrati. In the 20th century Ephros is recorded as a Jewish family name during World War II with Schmul Ephros of Berlin, who perished in the German concentration camp at Theresienstadt in August 1942.
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.
This Jewish family name can be traced to biblical sources and place names. Ephros/Efros is associated with Efrat/Ephrath, the name of a place north of Jerusalem, or with Efrat, another name for Bethlehem. It is also a variant of Ephraimite, for instance in Judges 12.5. The biblical Ephrath was the wife of Caleb and mother of Hur (1 Chronicles 2, 19). The Jewish family name appears in 14th century Spain as Efrati, and later in central Europe and Russia as Ephrati, Ephrussi, Efros and Ha-Efrati. In the 20th century Ephros is recorded as a Jewish family name during World War II with Schmul Ephros of Berlin, who perished in the German concentration camp at Theresienstadt in August 1942.