Surname Gigger - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Gigger: What does the surname Gigger mean?
The last name Gigger is believed to be of Germanic origin and can be found in various countries throughout Europe. It is thought to derive from the Old High German word ‘gigi’ or ‘gegi’, which means ‘barley-grower’ or ‘baker’. This suggests that early Gigger ancestors were involved in cereal and baking activities. The name could refer to a baker of rye bread, a famer that grew barley, or to someone that brewed ale.
The Gigger centered around Grubachtal, a small community in the southern German state of Bavaria. The earliest known reference to the Gigger family is from 1545 when a family by the name of Geger is documented as living in the Grubachtal region. The Gigger surname began to spread throughout Germany and beyond in the centuries following.
Giggers emigrated across Europe as well as to the United State and Canada, usually to seek religious freedom or a better life. In the US, the Gigger name has evolved to Giger, Gigger, Gager, Gegar, Gegel, Giggerl, Giegler, Kegar, Kiger, and Kigar.
The Gigger surname is still fairly commonplace in traditional German communities, yet it is now present across the world. Gigger family members have been woven into the fabric of international society and the Gigger name is likely to remain in memory for many years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisGigger: Where does the name Gigger come from?
The last name Gigger is an uncommon one, but it can be found primarily in the United States, Germany, and Bulgaria.
In the United States, Gigger is primarily found among families of German descent, especially in the historic communities of Pennsylvania Dutch population in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio. It is also found in other German-American communities throughout the US, such as Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
In Germany, the Gigger surname is primarily concentrated in the southwestern and northern regions of the country, though it is found throughout Germany. In Bulgaria, the name is primarily concentrated in western and central Bulgaria, particularly in Sofia. It is also found in other parts of the country.
The name Gigger is less common in other parts of the world, though it may be present in countries that were influenced by German immigration. Some other places where the name can be found include Canada, Australia, Austria, South Africa, and Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Gigger
Gigger is a surname with a variety of spellings and variants. It is an anglicized version of the old German personal name Gigerich, which was initially formed from the elements gīg, meaning ‘fighter’ or ‘warrior,’ and ric, meaning ‘ruler.’ Some variant spellings of Gigger include Giger, Gigger, Gegger, Gieger, Giegerich, Geger, Gigerich, Gigar, Giegerich, Gegerich, and Jigar.
The Gigger surname is found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary, among other places. In the United States, Gigger families settled in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and many other states. Variations of Gigger have also been found in the forms of Gickrath, Gieckenroth, Gieckenrath, Gieckenrat, Gigerich, Gicker, Giker, Gicky, and Gyger.
The earliest appearance of the Gigger surname can be found in the form of Gigerch, which appears in the Middle Ages as a personal name. From there, the name has been adopted in various places and forms. Gigger is still found today in Europe as well as in the United States, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere. The Gigger family has helped to shape communities all around the world.
Famous people with the name Gigger
- Gallagher Gigger: American actor and producer who wrote, directed and starred in the screenplay Kissing Bandit.
- Ira Gigger: American entrepreneur who served as a board member of Global Gaming Solutions.
- Scott Gigger: American actor best known for his role in the popular TV show 24.
- Clarence Gigger: Author and journalist who wrote numerous books on the life and culture of Paris after the war.
- Julia Gigger: British businesswoman and philanthropist who is also the president of the Royal Free Charity.
- Lee Gigger: American folklorist and photographer who documented much of the American Southwest.
- Michael Gigger: German actor and singer who sang on the popular children's program Die Micky Maus.
- Alison Gigger: American artist and sculptor known for her stunning outdoor works.
- Dave Gigger: Chart topping jazz musician who has released numerous solo albums.
- David Gigger: English film director acclaimed for his ability to engage audiences with his witty and humorous films.