Aurbach

Aurbach (also sometimes Auerbach, especially in older texts) is a surname of German origin. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a place name. The name most likely originates from one of several towns or villages named Auerbach, found throughout Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking regions.

The name Auerbach itself is generally understood to be a combination of the German words "Auer," referring to a type of wild ox or bull (aurochs), and "Bach," meaning brook or stream. Therefore, Auerbach roughly translates to "aurochs brook" or "bull brook."

Individuals with the surname Aurbach or Auerbach may trace their ancestry back to a specific Auerbach settlement, but without genealogical research, it is typically impossible to determine the precise geographic origin of a specific family line. The spelling variation (Aurbach versus Auerbach) may reflect regional dialect differences or variations in transcription over time.

The surname can be found among both Jewish and non-Jewish families, reflecting the historical prevalence of German surnames and their adoption by various communities within the German-speaking world.