Surname Aiger - Meaning and Origin
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Aiger: What does the surname Aiger mean?
The last name Aiger is of German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin. The most likely origin of Aiger is derived from the German word "Eiger' meaning "strong, brave". It is also probably derived from the Jewish Ashkenazic name "Eiger", from the personal name "Eige" which is derived from the Yiddish "eiger", meaning "hawk".
In many instances, the surname Aiger was adopted by Jews as a form of self-protection during the anti-semitic period of Europe of the Middle Ages. These Ashkenazic Jews adopted nature-based surnames that referred to a particular quality or anatomical feature. Alternatively, the surname may have been derived from the medieval given name Aegir (or Aegar, Ager) that is composed of the elements agi, meaning ‘awe’, or agis, meaning ‘fear’, and hari, meaning ‘army’.
The Aiger surname is most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Europe. In addition, the surname is found in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and several regions in the former Soviet republics. Outside of the European continent, the Aiger surname is also found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Aiger surname has been found to be associated with a variety of professions. These range from farmers to tailors to shop keepers. It can also be associated with the vital profession of midwifery. As with most surnames, the Aiger surname can be associated with many different activities and professions throughout its history.
Order DNA origin analysisAiger: Where does the name Aiger come from?
The last name Aiger has its origins in Germany. Today, it is most commonly found in the United States, Canada, Israel, and Australia. In the U.S., the name is most popular in Pennsylvania, but can also be found in other states like New York, Florida, and Illinois. It's also common in Canada, primarily in Ontario and Quebec. In the UK it's most common in London, but it can also be found in Manchester and Devon. In Australia, the name is most common in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
In Germany, the name is most commonly found in Bavaria and Hesse. It is also found in Berlin, Brandenburg, Thuringia, Saarland, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein. Additionally, it is quite common in Austria, especially in Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Carinthia, and Salzburg.
The name is also quite popular in Israel, while other parts of eastern and southeastern Europe have one or two families bearing the name, such as Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. In Jewish diaspora communities, the name often appears as "Aigerman" or "Aygeman".
Variations of the surname Aiger
The surname Aiger is a variant of the German and Dutch surname Aigel. Other variants of this surname include Aigler, Aiglier, Aigl, Aigle, Aigul, Aekler, Aiecle, and Heigl. Spellings of this surname can also differ as Aiger can be written with an "I" instead of "EI", such as Aigir.
This surname has evolved from the first name Aegidius, which was derived from the Greek word for ‘shield’. It was very popular throughout Germany, and eventually spread across Europe as families moved away.
Due to changes made during immigration, legal name changes, or phonetic shifts in pronunciation, surname variants can arise. This is why it is possible to find surnames like Aigel, Aigler, Aiglier, Aigler, Aigule, and Aeckel in addition to the existing variants for the Aiger surname.
Different regional dialects can also play a role in the changing of surnames over time. For example, the surname Aekler in Germany is derived from the same root as the Aiger name.
In Jewish culture, the most common spelling is Heigl. This spelling was used after some families were forced to legally change their given name and surname in order to avoid persecution. The Heigl spelling came to be used, and many still use it today.
It is important to note that Aiger has derived from many different sources and evolved over centuries. While these variations may be slight, it is important to understand how they all originate from the same surname.
Famous people with the name Aiger
- Abe Aiger: a professional American wrestler and actor.
- Ibby Aiger: a German Holocaust survivor, influential tour guide, writer, and lawyer.
- Lawrence Aiger: a long-time radio and television personality in the United States.
- Julie Anne Aiger: an American film producer, best known for her work in the television series “Mad Men”.
- Sol Aiger: an American film producer, writer, and philanthropist.
- Shoshana Aiger: a South African musician, performance artist, and songwriter.
- Rachel Aiger: a former American media executive, credited with transforming the business model of MTV and launching successful international children’s television channels.
- Margo Aiger: a notable costume designer, best known for her work in the acclaimed film American Hustle.
- Rodrigo Aiger: an Argentinian television executive, best known as the head of Nickelodeon Latin America.
- Norman Aiger: an American stand-up comedian and actor, known for his performances on late night talk shows.