Surname Ringer - Meaning and Origin
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Ringer: What does the surname Ringer mean?
The last name Ringer is of English and German origin. In English, it could be an occupational name given to a bell ringer, which was traditionally a church position responsible for ringing the bells for services, announcements, or emergencies. The name could also be derived from the Old English term "hringan," translating to "to ring."
In German, the surname Ringer could be a descriptive or occupational name for a wrestler, from the Middle High German term "ringære," translating to 'wrestler'. Alternatively, it could be an occupational name for someone who made or used small rings, derived from the Middle High German word 'ring', meaning 'ring' or 'hoop', with the suffix '-er', often used to denote occupations.
It is also worth noting, variations of the surname include Ringler, Ringers, and Ringar. Like many surnames, it can reflect the profession, the location, or characteristics of the initial bearer. Please bear in mind that surname origins can be complex, influenced by different cultures and time periods, so there may be multiple possible origins for the Ringer surname.
Order DNA origin analysisRinger: Where does the name Ringer come from?
The last name Ringer is most commonly found in the United States, especially in the midwestern and southern regions. According to the United States census, the Ringer surname is represented in 15 of the 50 states, with the highest concentration being in Texas. Texas has an estimated 9,850 individuals with the surname Ringer in the United States.
In addition, Ringer is also one of the most common names in other countries, particularly in Germany and Austria. In Germany, the name is commonly spelled as Ringer, or Rinnger, where there is an estimated 17,000 people with the name. Meanwhile, in Austria, the surname has an estimated 10,700 people with the name.
The Ringer surname is believed to either have a German or English origin. The German origin is likely derived from Ringer, which was a name used for an armorer or weapon-maker in old German dialect, while the English origin may be from the Middle English word “rinne”, meaning “to ring” or “to encircle”.
Regardless of its origin, the Ringer surname is still popular today, being represented in various countries, especially in the United States and Germany.
Variations of the surname Ringer
The surname Ringer is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is thought to have derived from the Middle English term Ringere, which referred to someone who was a bellringer. Variants of the name include Ringar, Ringard, Ringar, Ringore, and Ringall. There can also be various spellings of the same, such as Ringer, Ringerr, Rigear, Ringare, or Rynger.
It is believed that Ringor was initially a descriptive nickname for a bell ringer - someone who operated the bells at the local church. This then became a surname in the Middle Ages. The name Ringor may also have originally been a nickname for someone who was known to be a good singer or talented musician.
Surnames of similar origin are often found in different countries throughout Europe. For example, in Germany the similar name Reinger is found. In the Netherlands the name Rynger is common, while in Sweden the surname Ringere is often seen.
In the United States, the name Ringer is still popular today, in its original form as well as its different spellings and variants. The Ringers are an American family who moved to the West Coast in the early 1900s and are known to have later branches in the Midwest and in Idaho.
Famous people with the name Ringer
- Mike Ringer: well-known concert pianist and professor of music at Northwestern University
- John Ringer: English actor and comedian, starring in various TV shows such as The Fast Show and mainstream British films
- Mel Ringer: actor from the US, starring in films such as The Day They Robbed The Bank and Going Straight
- Tom Ringer: British actor best known for his roles in the TV series Fireman Sam and Crime Traveller
- Geena Ringer: American singer-songwriter and actress
- Joe Ringer: retired American professional football player and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Sarah Ringer: British actress, best-known for her roles in Eastenders and Dancing On The Edge
- Lucille Ringer: Broadway dancer from the 1930s and 1940s
- John Ringer: English innocence campaigner who was wrongly convicted and later pardoned
- Laura Ringer: Australian designer and artist known for her bold fabric designs and bespoke interior furnishings