Surname Barger - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling My Identity Through iGENEA: A Deep Dive into the Barger Lineage

Taking the iGENEA DNA test opened up a world of undiscovered history for me. The test results, indicating my connection to the ancient Germanic lineage, endowed a newfound significance to my surname 'Barger.' It has not only transformed my understanding of my roots but also brought to light the traits I share with my forebears, reshaping my perception of self.

V. Barger

Barger: What does the surname Barger mean?

The surname "Barger" is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "berger", meaning "mountaineer" or "mountain dweller." It was commonly used as an occupational surname for individuals living in or near mountainous regions in Germany. Over time, as people migrated, the surname spread to other countries and regions. Variations of the Barger surname include Berger, Barger, Bargen, and others. Many people with this surname today live in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Like many surnames that originated from professions or geographic locations, Barger provides a glimpse into the family's historical occupation or place of dwelling.

Barger: Where does the name Barger come from?

The surname Barger is of German and Dutch origin, derived from the Middle High German word "berger" or the Middle Dutch word "bergher", which means 'mountaineer' or 'one who lives in the mountains'. Early forms of the surname found in Germanic and Dutch manuscripts date back to the Middle Ages. In particular, records can be traced back to Hamburg, where the Barger family held a family seat.

In the United States, the Barger name was carried over by early immigrants, with the first record found in Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Today, the surname is commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of North Carolina, Indiana, and California. However, the Barger surname also spread to other part of the world and can be found in Canada, England, and Australia. Despite the geographical spread, it remains more prevalent in Germany and the United States, with the latter having the largest concentration of individuals bearing the Barger surname. Notable people bearing this surname include Sonny Barger, a founding member of the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club in California.

Variations of the surname Barger

The surname Barger is of German origin and it implies someone who was a transporter of goods or a transporter of barley. Accordingly, it has different variants and spellings due to regional differences, Americanization, and Anglicization of the German language. Some common variants of Barger include Berger, Bargen, and Barg.

In some cases, a phonetic spelling was adopted leading to versions like Barger and Barga. Other spellings include Burgher, Burger, Bargerhuff, and Bargery. Sometimes, it is also spelled with a double "r" as Barrger.

As far as surnames of the same origin are concerned, some German surnames that imply similar professions are Wagenknecht (wagon servant), Fuhrmann (cart man), and Trager (carrier). All these names, including Barger, fall under the category of occupational surnames i.e., derived from the profession or occupation of the first person who carried that name.

Although different in spellings, all these variants share a common origin and significance owing to the trade or profession they are associated with. It is also important to note that variations might arise due to local dialects and spellings of different generations.

Famous people with the name Barger

• Sonny Barger: A founding member of the Oakland, California, U.S. chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
• Ralph Barger: Known as "Sonny" Barger, he is an American author, actor, and biker.
• H. Keith Barger: Forensic science expert who is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
• Roberta Barger: Known for her work in the field of nursing.
• Aaron Barger: Renowned IT specialist who has worked with numerous top-tier technology companies.
• Susan Barger: An author popularly known for her work in the field of photomicrography.
• Tom Barger: He was a longstanding CEO of the Arabian American Oil Company and was also a geologist.
• Bill Barger: Bill Barger is best known as a Baseball Player.
• Dave Barger: He was a co-founder and former CEO of JetBlue Airways.
• Rick Barger: Known for his connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Additionally, there are many others with the last name Barger in various fields, such as business, sports, science, and more. They may not be globally famous but are known and respected in their respective fields.

Other surnames

BargeBargemannBargen