History of the Sicher Family Name

The name 'Sicher' is derived from the Latin 'securus' or Secure. It had its origins with the ancient Teutones whose language was allied to Gothic, Scandinavian, Low German, and English, which formed one of the great branches of the Indo-European, Indo-Germanic, or Aryan family and the tribes speaking the language and now called Germanic. The earliest meaning of the word was to be fully assured or convinced; certanty, without doubt. By 1440 it took on the broader meaning of confidently, security and safety, and by 1450 the added meanings of effectively, strongly and firmly. By the time Jacob and his Brother immigrated to America, the name also was used with having assured possession or prospect of something.

There are two possible explanations as to the origin of the German surname 'Sicher.' The most likely is that the name is occupational in origin being derived from the work a man did or the profession he purchased. In this case, 'Sicher' derives from the Middle High German word 'sicher' which means 'gaurantor'. In effect, the original bearer of this surname was involved with the law and did a job which was the equivalent of themodern day bailsman. Alternatively, but linked to the above, 'Sicher: may be of nickname origin descriptive of some physical or personal characteristic. Here, the initial bearer would have been regarded as one who had the qualities of being 'steady' and 'safe'. Undoubtedly therefore, the original Sicher held a high place in Medieval society and all seemed to have held positions of trust and authority.

As this surname has its origins in the Germanic language and is found not only in Germany, but also in other German speaking courtries like Austria and Switzerland. The earliest instance of this surname in Austria is the brothers Tuenno and Paulo Sicherio about 1200 in the Austrian Alps on the border with Italy. This Austrian family was heavily influenced by the Italian and all descendants into the 19th century continued to use the Italian dialect in naming their children, such as Antonia, Romedo, Giuseppe, Catherina, Christina, etc. This family immigrated to America about 1850 and are the German-Jew offspring prominent in New York City, Washington, D.C. and north-central Pennsylvania.

Also included in the early instances of the Sicher surname in Austria is one Ulrich Sicher who was a town councilman in Bischofszell in 1576. In 1592, certain people using the Germanic language took up the Sicher name in the derivitive 'Zucher,' which shortly after turned to 'Zicker,' and by 1620 became 'Sicher', dropping the Itilian dialect.