Surname Barge - Meaning and Origin
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Barge: What does the surname Barge mean?
The last name Barge is of French origin and it translates to "barge," a type of flat-bottomed boat. This suggests that the early bearers of this surname likely lived near a river or were involved in occupations related to boating or fishing. Surnames often bear a historical or geographical significance relating to the original bearer's location, property, occupation, or characteristic. It's also possible that the initial name carriers may have operated or owned a barge. In some cases, this surname could also have been a nickname for someone with characteristics of a barge, possibly slow and steady. Like many last names, Barge has several spelling variations including Barjot, Bargeot, Barget, Barjon, Bargues, and many others, prevalent in different regions. As people migrated and languages evolved, these variations became common.
Order DNA origin analysisBarge: Where does the name Barge come from?
The surname Barge is of English and French origins, typically deriving from the old French term "barge," which referred to a type of flat-bottomed boat used for transportation across rivers. The surname may have been initially used for people who lived by a river or waterbody, or were employed as boatmen. Barge could also be of topographical origin, referring specifically to someone who lived by a wharf or a dock for barges.
Today, the surname Barge is more common in the United States, particularly in the southern states. It can also be found in Canada, England, and France. However, the highest concentration of Barge families is reportedly found in Wiltshire, a county in South West England. As of the latest data, a significant number of people with the surname Barge also reside in Louisiana, Alabama and Pennsylvania in the United States. Overall, while the Barge surname has spread worldwide, it remains relatively uncommon.
Variations of the surname Barge
The surname Barge has roots in English and French history, but also spans various countries and cultures, resulting in a range of variations, spellings, and related surnames. Its English version is believed to have been derived from an occupational name for a bargeman or someone who lives by a wharf or dock. Variations and alterative spellings for Barge include: Barg, Barger, Bargy, Berge, and Berger.
In France, the name Bar or Barr is sometimes used and has a similar meaning as in English. Additionally, the surnames Berg, Varge or Varg are not uncommon in Scandinavia. In Germany, the surname Berger is common and it has the same root meaning as Barge.
These spellings can also be further extended with prefixes and suffixes, such as "de ", "van ", "von ", and "berg" to indicate geographical features or status. For example, someone could be called "von Barge" or "van der Barge", especially in Dutch, German, or Belgian contexts. With the inclusion of such prefixes, variations can also include names like VanBergen, VonBergen, or DeBerg.
Please note that these are estimated correlations and the exact origins may vary based on individual family histories.
Famous people with the name Barge
- Leon Barge: An American soul singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his hit songs like "Rainy Night in Georgia" and "Make it Rain".
- Paul Barge: A popular French actor who has appeared in over seventy films since beginning his career in the 1960s.
- Chris Barge: An American journalist specializing in health and wellness topics, and also has served as the Vice President of Communications for the Colorado Health Foundation.
- Tim Barge: An American author known for his books that focus on spirituality and personal growth.
- Wendy Barge: An Australian actress who appeared in several popular television series and films in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Barney Barge: A well-regarded Canadian ice hockey coach, principally working in the junior leagues. Please note that some of these individuals may not have a significant degree of international renown, their notoriety may be more localized to their respective countries or fields.