Surname Springer - Meaning and Origin

Deciphering the Springer lineage: An iGENEA DNA ancestry test that unraveled my familial roots

Unveiling the origins and history of my family name ‘Springer’ through an iGENEA's DNA ancestry test like piecing together an intriguing puzzle. It was an illuminating journey, revealing roots traced back to German origin and a strong Scandinavian connection, giving me a vivid homage to my lineage and a newfound perspective on my identity.

Y. Springer

Springer: What does the surname Springer mean?

The last name Springer is of German origin and holds two potential meanings. The first is from the Middle High German term "springer" referring to "leaper" or "tumbler." It was often used as an occupational name for acrobats, entertainers, and performers who demonstrated such abilities. Alternatively, it could also refer to a messenger or herald, presumably because these individuals would frequently move or "spring" from place to place. In some cases, Springer could also be an occupational surname for someone who operated a type of military siege engine, as the Middle High German term "springære" denotes. The name was adopted by Jewish people as a comparatively modern ornamental surname. Notable people with this last name include television host Jerry Springer and publisher Julius Springer. Over time, the surname spread to different regions, including the Netherlands, where a variant spelling, 'Springer,' also exists. It is important to note that surname meanings can vary based on regional and historical usage, so interpretations can differ. The name is now common in many parts of the world including Europe and North America.

Springer: Where does the name Springer come from?

The surname SPRINGER is commonly found today in areas of the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Sweden, and Germany.

In the United States, the last name SPRINGER is especially seen in the southeast region, including states like Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. In addition, it is also common in certain areas of Texas and Oklahoma. Beyond the United States, prominent areas for this surname include Eastern Canada, in particular, Nova Scotia.

In England, the surname is most prominent in the Essex area, particularly in Chelmsford. Beyond England, Scotland, and Ireland, it is also fairly common in Germany in certain areas, such as Lower Saxony, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hesse.

In Australia, the last name SPRINGER has been around since the 19th century with most origins being from Germany. Today, it is common in the states of New South Wales and Victoria, with the Victorian city of Wodonga, near the border of New South Wales, having the highest concentration of the name. There is also evidence of the surname in Sweden and Norway.

Variations of the surname Springer

The surname Springer has multiple variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Depending on the region, the spelling can change.

Variations include Spronger, Sprenger, and Springe. The origin of the surname is likely German or Ashkenazic Jewish, meaning “one who jumped” or “one who sprung.” During the Middle Ages, the surname was associated with occupational roles such as a forester or one who tended to horses.

It is also a common surname among Sephardic Jews, with the origin and meaning being a derivative of the Hebrew word “Sprung” which means “jumper.” The variation Spromyer can also be found in some Jewish communities.

Variant spellings in other languages can also be found. In Dutch, the surname is spelled as Springers, Sprengers or Spronkers. In Swedish, alternative spellings include Springare and Springar. In German, spellings can include Sprenger, Springe, and Spinger.

The surname can also be traced to France as Springar with Americanized forms of spelling listed as Springar, Springer and Sprenge. In Poland, the surname can be found as Springer, Springerl, or Szpringerl.

Other surnames with many similarities include Sprang, Pranger, Spicer, Spicher, Tiange, and Teungs. The surname may have different spellings and origins due to migration and the anglicising of names throughout its history.

Famous people with the name Springer

• Jerry Springer: An American television presenter, former lawyer, politician, news presenter, actor and musician.
• Harry Springer: A choreographer, film director, screenwriter, composer, actor and director.
• Leah Springer: A Canadian actor from the show "Star Trek: Discovery" and the movie “Polaroid”.
• Danny Springer: A former professional baseball player who played for the Chicago White Sox.
• Paul Springer: An American jazz saxophonist and flutist.
• JJ Springer: An Australian cricketer.
• Colton Springer: An American professional wrestler on the NXT brand.
• Courtney Springer: An American actress and model, best known for playing the lead role in the film "The Miss America Pageant".
• Molly Springer: An American photographer, fine artist and dancer.
• Richard Springer: An American politician who represented the 33rd House District in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1967 to 1974.

Other surnames

SpringSpringast/SpringhastSpringateSpringaufSpringbornSpringbrunnSpringeSpringefeldSpringelSpringemannSpringenSpringenbergSpringenheideSpringenschmidSpringensguthSpringenzaunSpringettSpringfeldSpringfeldtSpringfieldSpringhardtSpringhartSpringholzSpringhornSpringindschmittenSpringinkleeSpringinsfeldSpringinsgutSpringinsguthSpringkämper