Surname Eign - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'E'
Eign: What does the surname Eign mean?
The last name Eign is of German origin and is derived from a place-name. It was originally used as a topographic descriptor for someone who had come from a place at the edge of a settlement or forest. The name likely derived from a similar sounding German word meaning “edge.” The name first appears in records in the area of Baden-Württemberg in the early 13th century, which was then part of the Holy Roman Empire.
In recent years the name has spread to other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. There are several notable figures who bear the name, including German footballer Toni Eigner, American composer Charles Eigner, and American geologist Paul Eigner.
The name Eign may also be linked to a number of occupations or trades. It is possible that the name was taken by individuals of these occupations, such as a dealer in edges, who sold trimming or edging fabrics, buttons or papers. There is also a possibility that it could have been taken by someone who worked with metal edges or worked in an area closely associated with edges.
The overall meaning of the name Eign is “one who lives on or by the edge” and it is a popular surname among those of both German and English descent. It may also be linked to a number of different trades or occupations, as well as being used by notable figures.
Order DNA origin analysisEign: Where does the name Eign come from?
The last name Eign is most commonly found in Austria and Germany today. The name is thought to be derived from the Old Germanic personal name Agin, derived from the name Agenolf, which roughly translates to “distinguished nobleman”. The name is recorded as far back as the 12th century, occurring in various forms such as Egenolf, Aginolf and later Eign.
In the modern day, the surname Eign can be found mostly in the German-speaking countries of Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein. The most notable bearer of the name in recent years is the Austrian ice-hockey coach Nate Eigner, who began his career in 2004 with the national Austrian ice-hockey team.
A few people with the family name Eign can also be found in other countries, notably in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia. It is thought that these people are descendants of immigrants who moved to these countries from Austria or Germany in the 19th or 20th centuries.
Overall, it is clear that the surname Eign is most commonly found in Austria and Germany. Many of the people with the family name living in other countries can trace their roots back to these countries.
Variations of the surname Eign
The surname Eign is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English pre-7th century word Egen, meaning ‘the wealthy or aristocratic one’. Eign is often spelled as Egan, Eagen, Eagin and Eigen, with various spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Egen or Egena was an Old English name found in pre-7th century English documents and records. In some cases, it has been anglicised into Eagan. The modern spelling of the name is most likely derived from the Middle English period, the Christian name Egin, or from Edward, a nickname used as a personal name.
The shortened Gaelic version of the name, Eon, is also reported, as well as Eoccuph. Another spelling of the name, Agin, is also seen and is thought to be a variant of Egena.
The most common variant of the name is Egan. This name is especially popular in Ireland and is believed to have its roots in Connacht. It is thought to be derived from the Irish-Gaelic surnames O’hEagain and O’Hegan. Variant spellings of Egan include Eggena, Eggen, Egen, Eggin, Egging and Eging.
Finally, the surname Eign is also often linked to the Eigen or Eagen. This surname is linked to the Low German name Egen and is typically found in northern Germany. Variant spellings of Eigen include Aigen, Eggan, Egen, Eggen, Egin, Egena and Eginn.
Famous people with the name Eign
- Rick Eign: Rick Eign is a successful stuntman and stunt coordinator. He has significant amounts of experience and has worked on movies such as Night at the Museum, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and many more.
- Beth Eigner: Beth Eigner is an artist and designer, specializing in art, graphic design, fashion, and textiles. She has a studio in Chicago where she creates and sells her art, and has been featured in several international exhibitions.
- Ray Eigner: Ray Eigner is a political scientist and founder of the Center for International Policy. He is a noted expert on foreign policy issues and has held positions in the government of the United States, as well as at various universities.
- Dave Eigner: Dave Eigner is a football coach from the United States. He is currently the associate head coach and offensive coordinator for Northern Colorado University.
- Craig Eigner: Craig Eigner is a filmmaker and screenwriter who has written and directed several independent films. He is also a member of the Sundance Film Festival faculty.
- Fanny Eigner: Fanny Eigner is a physician and healthcare researcher from France. She has written several books and articles about women's healthcare issues.
- Sarah Eigner: Sarah Eigner is an award-winning singer and songwriter from the United States. Her music has been featured on television shows and films, and she has opened for several high-profile artists.