Surname Espig - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'E'
Espig: What does the surname Espig mean?
The last name Espig is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German name "Espich." The meaning of the name is derived from the German word "espe," meaning "aspen tree." The name is found today mainly in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, England, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Canada, and the United States.
Prior to the spelling of the last name evolving to Espig, many variations of the name were used, such as Espich, Esspich, Esspaugh, Espichs, Espike, and more.
Those who currently hold the last name of Espig likely had ancestors who were farmers or earned a living by tending land. The name could also be found in areas that were dedicated to timber, especially aspen trees. While many of the earliest spellings of the name were believed to have been changed over time, some families do still hold on to the original spelling.
A few notable people who have had the last name Espig includes Adam Espig, a German politician and cabinetmaker; Horst Espig, a German physician; Hermann Espig, a German-born Austrian sculptor; and Rudi Espig, a German film actor and singer.
Today the last name Espig is still used throughout various countries, with many individuals holding on to the original spelling. While some carry on a legacy of farming and tending to land, others have moved into new industries and professions.
Order DNA origin analysisEspig: Where does the name Espig come from?
The last name Espig is a German-language surname associated with the northern German state of Lower Saxony. Today, the surname is most commonly found among descendants of German immigrants, particularly in the United States and Canada. According to the 1990 United States Census, there were just over 8,000 individuals of German ancestry carrying the Espig surname.
In the United States, states with the highest Espig populations included California, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania. California alone had almost 2,000 Espig households in 1990. By comparison, the 1990 Canadian census identified just fewer than 600 households with the Espig name, nearly all of which were located in Ontario.
Due to the German origin of the Espig name, Espig-named individuals are often found living near traditional German settlements. Throughout the Midwest, the presence of German-speaking Amish communities suggests a higher likelihood of Espig families living nearby. Moreover, in the western parts of the United States, particularly in California, areas with large German-speaking populations may also contain more Espig families.
Additionally, as with many other surnames, those people with the Espig name may have moved from their original location to other areas. A modern search of Espig individuals online may reveal a wider geographical spread of those bearing the surname today.
Variations of the surname Espig
The surname Espig has many variants and spellings, including Espigg, Espiga, Espigga, Espigge, Espygg, and Espygga. The most common alternative spelling is the German spelling of Espigge.
The name has been in use since the 15th century. It is a patronymic name derived from the popular medieval given name Espig, which comes from the Old Germanic word "espicho," meaning "spear."
The surname Espig can be found as far back as 1354, when a Johann Espig of Uffenheim, Germany, was documented in property records. It became more popular until the late 20th century when it spread to many countries around the world.
Variants of the surname Espig found in different countries can include Espigge in Germany, Espigg in the United Kingdom, Espiga in Spain, Espigga in Mexico and Norway, and Espiggo in Portugal.
In addition to the various spellings, the surname is also known by many associated surnames. In some cases, a prefix such as "von" or "von der" is added. These associated surnames include Espigger, Espiggener, Espigener, Espiger, Espiggerer, Espiggar, and Espiggarer.
The surname Espig is still very popular today and can be found in many countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Espig
- Kati Espig: German athletes, specializing in Shot Put
- Dirk Espig: German track and field athlete, specializing in Discus throw, Hammer Throw, and Shot Put
- Don Espig: Major League Baseball third baseman and right-handed batter
- Adalbert Espig: German astrophysicist and professor
- Art Espig: American professional basketball player
- Heike Espig: German judo player
- Helmut Espig: German athlete, specializing in the Long Jump
- Jürgen Espig: German athlete, specializing in the 400m hurdles
- Konrad Espig: German sprint canoeist
- Ulrich Espig: German slalom canoeist.