Surname Benninger - Meaning and Origin
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Benninger: What does the surname Benninger mean?
The last name Benninger is German in origin, and the meaning of the name is thought to be derived from two words: ‘binne’, meaning a village enclosed by walls, and ‘ingen’ meaning an inhabited place. Put together, the name Benninger may have been used to describe someone who was born in or originated from such an area.
Benninger is a very common German surname, likely due to the fact that its meaning is easy to understand and the name provides a sense of identity. This kind of name could have been especially popular during the migration period when families moved away from their traditional homes. It has been found in many different forms such as Benniger, Benninger, Binniger, Boninger, and Buninger.
The Benninger surname is spread throughout the world and is especially prevalent in the United States, with the most concentration of the name being in the state of Pennsylvania. Many Benningers in the US are descended from German immigrants who arrived in the late 19th century.
Today, the last name Benninger can be proudly worn by people with their own unique stories and identities that reflect different moments in their family's history. It is a surname full of strength and heritage, and stands as a reminder of the diverse routes each family has taken.
Order DNA origin analysisBenninger: Where does the name Benninger come from?
The last name Benninger is common throughout central Europe today. It is especially prevalent in Germany, where it is one of the top 500 most popular surnames. The name has also been found in Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
The geographic distribution of the Benninger surname suggests that it is quite ancient and dates back many centuries. The earliest known record of the name Benninger comes from the German region of Bavaria, dating from 1350. It is thought to be derived from a form of the German word "beningen," which means "blessing" and was likely used as a personal name or nickname.
The name Benninger is also found in some other parts of the world, particularly in the United States and Canada, where it was taken by families who emigrated during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These immigrants settled primarily in the Midwest and Northeast of the United States, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Overall, the Benninger surname appears to have been a very old and widespread family name. While the name is still most commonly found in central Europe, particularly Germany, its origins in that region are likely part of the reason why it has also been adopted by families in North America and elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Benninger
The surname Benninger is a German surname, derived from the given name “Benedikt,” a German form of the Latin name Benedict. Variations of Benninger can include Binninger, Bininger, Benning, Benningheiser, Benninghausen, Bennig, Benige, Benninghoff, Benninghofer, Benik, Benningestern, Benningerhoff, Bennings, Benningerin, Benningov, Benningová, Bennigar, Benningstern, Benningäusen, Benningöver, Benninks, Benningerstein, and Benningranz.
The surname is a generic occupational name for a farmer or a nickname for a gentle person. Variations of the surname, spelled differently, are found in each individual area where the Benninger family has established itself over time. The name has been established in North America, particularly Pennsylvania, for hundreds of years.
The different versions of the Benninger surname come from different dialects of the German language and regional variations in spelling over the course of hundreds of years. For example, in some areas, the use of “v” rather than “f” is common. The original meaning of the name likely still remains the same, though it has been pronounced and spelled differently over time.
Despite the differences in spelling and pronunciation, all of these variations are related to this same origin and all individuals bearing any form of this name are likely related in some way.
Famous people with the name Benninger
- Matt Benninger: Actor and Christian musician from Los Angeles
- Kirsten Benninger: Canadian modern dancer and choreographer
- Gordon Benninger: Actor known for his work on Supernatural and the CW show Arrow
- Doug Benninger: Former NHL player and ice hockey coach
- Paul Benninger: American professional bodybuilder
- Al Benninger: Retired Major League Baseball player
- Dave Benninger: Retired NFL player
- Lauren Benninger: American soccer player
- Olivia Benninger: German television presenter and actress
- Louis Benninger: Canadian soccer goalkeeper.