Surname Greger - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Roots: An Insight into the Cultural and Historical Journeys of the Greger Surname through iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test was far more than a scientific venture; it was my ticket back in time, an intimate exploration into my familial roots and the origin of my surname, Greger. What I discovered was a mix of global wanderings, historical epochs, and cultural nuances that have spanned centuries and shaped me as a direct descendant of this rich heritage.

A. Greger

Greger: What does the surname Greger mean?

The last name Greger is of German origin and is believed to have derived from the personal name Gregorius, a Latin variant of Gregory. It is a popular surname among German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Czech Republic.

Gregorius is derived from the Greek name ‘Gregorios’, meaning “vigilant” or “watchful”. This may suggest that the original bearers of the Greger surname may have been linked to the idea of protecting and defending their communities. It may also refer to an individual of good judgment and capable of wisdom, as suggested by the word “vigilant”.

The name is likely to be associated with the Protestant Reformation. During this time, the name was adopted as a symbolic tool of rebellion against the Catholic Church, and was used in place of new, “happier” names which were more in keeping with the Protestant faith.

Today, the last name Greger remains a popular surname among German-speaking countries. Its continued use suggests a strong linkage to the Protestant faith, although its original meaning may be lost on many modern-day bearers of the name.

Greger: Where does the name Greger come from?

The surname Greger is most common today in the Germanic countries of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is believed to have derived from the German first name Gregor, a variant of the name Gregory. It is not known when the name first appeared, but records date back to 15th century Germany where a certain Hans Greger was mentioned in 1493. In some parts of Europe, the name is spelled Gräger, Kreger, Gregerle, Kreglizza, or similar variants.

In the 2000 German census, Greger was the benefit of 2,209 residents while in Austria, it was the second most common surname with 11,581 people bearing the name. The surname Greger is also common in the United States, particularly in the state of Pennsylvania, where it first appeared with German immigrants in the late 19th century.

In addition, the surname is common in other parts of the Americas, including Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba, as well as in other European countries such as the Czech Republic, Russia, and France, among others. In the United States, it was the 736th most common surname overall in 2017 according to the Census Bureau.

Overall, the surname Greger is most commonly found near or in German-speaking lands, but has spread around the world, particularly as a result of immigration from Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variations of the surname Greger

The surname Greger has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. One of the most common variants of Greger is Gregor, which is also a popular given name. Other variants include Gracar, Gregar, Grecar, Gregori, Greco, Gregorić, Grecko, Greguš, Gregerić, Gyger, and Gregerov.

The surname was originally derived from the Late Latin name Gregorius, meaning “watchful,” “alert,” or “watchman.” This name has been popular throughout the centuries and has been used throughout Europe in different variants.

In some regions, the surname was adapted to other languages and cultures when different ethnic groups settled there, leading to variants such as Griech (in German-speaking areas) or Grzegorz (in Poland). In some cases, the original name was even changed to fit the local spelling, such as Grgur in Croatia.

Similarly, there are surname variants based on alternate derivations such as Gregera (in Hungary) and Gregeris (in Lithuania).

The Greger surname can also be found in English-speaking countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. There is one prominent family in Britain that used the variant Griegers, which comes from Low German, or “Low Saxon.”

Overall, the surname Greger is a proud reminder of a family’s diverse heritage and the many cultural influences on their lineage.

Famous people with the name Greger

• Mary Greger: a former world champion freestyle swimmer
• Günter Greger: a German geophysicist and former President of the German Union of Astronomy
• Gerd Greger: a German actor, musician and songwriter
• Jörg Greger: a German professional football player
• Roland Greger: an Austrian skier and Olympic champion
• Christin Greger: a German handball player
• Chris Greger: a former professional ice hockey player
• Christa Greger: a German novelist
• Sonja Greger: a German actress
• Andreas Greger: a German actor
• Sean Greger: an American actor
• Christina Greger: a Swedish actress
• Fanny Greger: a Swedish artist
• Beltz Jean-Marie Greger: a former Swiss long-distance runner
• Dietmar Greger: a German former alpine skier
• Sören Greger: a German music producer and director.

Other surnames

GregersenGregerson