Kerchner and Kershner/Kerschner
Are Different German Family Names
Document Filename: KERSHNER.HTM
Internet URL: http://www.kerchner.com/kershner.htm
Date Created: 01 Sep 1996
Last Updated: 25 Jul 2026
By: Charles F. Kerchner, Jr.
3765 Chris Drive
Emmaus PA 18049-1544
Subj: Kershner / Kerschner / Kirschner Family Name
Keywords: KERSHNER KERSCHNER KIRSCHNER KIRSHNER FAMILY NAME NAMES ROOTS
Many people have contacted me seeking information about the family name variously spelled: KERSHNER, KERSCHNER, KIRSCHNER, and other variations of that name spelled with an "S" in the name. While the names Kershner and Kerchner have the same Soundex code in English they are pronounced completely different in German and the two surnames are completely different German family syrnnames. In addition to sounding similar in English, they are often also confused because of frequent misspelling of the two surnames in various public records. The onomastics of the Kerchner/Kirchner name indicate it means "church worker". The
onomastics of the Kershner/Kirschner name indicate it means either "furrier" or "cherry worker". These different families have been further confused by some researchers because some recent generations of Kershner descendants married Kerchner descendants. Individuals looking for information on the Kershner / Kerschner / Kirschner family name should contact one of the researchers listed below. They have a large database containing over 30,000 names of Kershner descendants and related families. In addition they have an active family association which publishes a quarterly newsletter and holds an annual reunion.
Research note: An exception to the rule! Recent Y-DNA genetic testing has proved conclusively that one small branch of Adam Kerchner's descendants permanently changed the spelling of their surname from Kerchner to Kershner, circa 1880's. This Kerchner clan are the descendants of Isaac Harry Kerchner, s/o Augustus and Lydia Kerchner, of Wheatfield Twsp, Perry Co PA. Isaac Harry
Kerchner moved to Perrysville, Ashland Co OH, where his family adopted the surname spelling of Kershner, which is as it is spelled in the 1880 census and also on Isaac's death certificate when he died there in 1916. See page links below for more information on the Kerchner surname and the Y-DNA Genetics & Genealogy Project. Kershner/Kerschner/Kirschner participants are
solicited and welcome to join the Y-DNA Genetics & Genealogy Project.
A cautionary note: Some Kerchner and Kershner/Kerschner families lived in close proximity in Berks County PA and the two totally unrelated German lines did inter-marry in Pennsylvania. So it is very easy to get these two families mixed up. Thus, when researching these family names beware of that potential trap in following a Kershner/Kerschner line back in time to be sure you get to the correct immigrant Kirschner ancestor.
For a 7 generation PDF file report with index for some Kirschner/Kerschner/Kershner descendants of Johann Conrad Kirschner (1669-1746), last of Langenselbold, Wetterau, Hessen, Germany, who had several sons that emigrated to the American colonies in the early 1700s click HERE.
Some excellent early previous researchers of Kirschner/Kerschner/Kershner families in USA are listed below, with last known contact information for the reader, with the possibility that in providing their last known contact information, that with various search engines, you maybe find still existing online copies of some of their work, or where to find it:
Kershner Family Association
Mr. William E. Kershner, Jr.
(deceased as of 2022)
1449 Fox Run Drive
Charlotte NC 28212-7125
Email:
kershnerwe@aol.com
Robert F. Kershner
(likely deceased as of 2026)
Route 1 Box 181
Amsterdam MO 64723
Email: borain@ckt.net
Dr. Robert L. Hubbard
(likely deceased as if 2026)
Hawaii
Email: hubbardr001@hawaii.rr.com
If you do find someone connected to the above early resarchers and the write to any contact that you find still reearching the German occupational rooting family name consistently spelled with the "S" in it via snail mail, be sure to enclose a large SASE with a several ounces of postage on it for their use to facilitate convenient reply. They have authorized me to post their addresses to assist people with KERSHNER family research. Please be sure to tell them you saw this posting and that I referred you to them.
Links to more articles and information written by me:
18th Century German Naming Customs
Kerchner Genealogy Home Page
Various Kerchner Clan Descendants Charts
Kercher/Karcher Surname Home Page
Y-DNA Genetics & Genealogy Project
1812 Project Home Page
Genealogy Research Tips
Charles F. Kerchner, Jr.
3765 Chris Drive
Emmaus PA 18049-1544 USA
E-Mail: Contact Me
Copyright ©1996-2026
Charles F. Kerchner, Jr.
All Rights Reserved
Created - 01 Sep 1996
Updated - 25 Jul 2026