Surname Behringer - Meaning and Origin

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W. Behringer

Behringer: What does the surname Behringer mean?

The surname Behringer is of German origin and is believed to have been derived from various possible sources. Firstly, it could be a geographical designation for someone living near a hill or mountain, derived from the Middle High German "berinc" which translates to "mountain dweller".

Secondly, it could be from the Middle High German word "beringen" which means "to summon" or "to command," indicating a person who holds authority or responsibility.

Finally, it could also be an occupational surname linked to the profession of bear-keeping, with the Middle High German “bere” meaning "bear."

As with many surnames, the specific meaning may vary for different families, with the original intent influenced by factors such as geographical location, profession, or personal characteristics. It's important to note that surname meanings are historical or linguistic interpretations and don't necessarily reflect the characteristics of individuals bearing these names today.

Behringer: Where does the name Behringer come from?

The last name Behringer is of German origin. The name is derived from the Middle High German word "berinc," which means bear. It is believed that this surname was an occupational name for a person who owned or ran a bear pit, a common form of entertainment in medieval Germany. Today, the last name is most common in Germany, particularly in the southern region of Bavaria. However, due to global migration, this last name can also be found in many other countries, especially in the United States of America. Over the years, many people with the last name Behringer have emigrated from Germany to the USA. Therefore, this surname has a significant presence in regions with high populations of people with German ancestry, such as the Midwest of the United States.

Variations of the surname Behringer

The surname Behringer may have several variations in terms of spelling or might be associated with similar surnames of the same origin. Some of these may include Beringer, Behren, Berenger, Behrenger, Berger, Beringer and Berenger among others. This surname has Germanic roots, specifically from the Bavarian region of Germany.

The formation of surnames in German-speaking regions was often derived from the individual's occupation or the geographical characteristics of their dwelling place. The surname Behringer, for example, could have been derived from the Middle High German words, “ber” or “baer" (meaning bear) and "inger," a suffix denoting "son of." Hence, Behringer could mean “son of the bear" or refer to a person who was as strong and brave as a bear.

Despite some variations in spelling over the centuries and across different regions, these surnames tend to share a common ancestry and represent the same lineage where they were initially derived. Please note that the usage and prevalence of such name variants can differ between countries and regions, and over different periods in history.

Famous people with the name Behringer

• Uli Behringer: He is a renowned German businessman who founded the Behringer Corporation, a multinational group of companies specializing in professional audio equipment.
• Ken Behringer: A former professional American football player who played for the Miami Dolphins. These two stand out as the most famous individuals bearing the Behringer surname. There might be other persons named Behringer in different fields, but they aren't globally recognized celebrities.

Other surnames

BehringBehringhoff