Surname Huntsinger - Meaning and Origin
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Huntsinger: What does the surname Huntsinger mean?
The last name Huntsinger is of German origin. Derived from the Middle High German words hündesin meaning “hound” and ger meaning one who is an expert in, the name can be interpreted as one who is an expert in hound handling. In many parts of Germany, dogs were used for hunting and tracking in the Middle Ages, and so Huntsinger may have been a title for one who held expertise in breeding and training such hounds.
The name could also be used to denote a profession, similar to how one may be referred to as a 'smith' if they forge metal, or a 'brewer' if they make beer. Huntsinger would likely be used to refer to an individual who breeds and trains hunting dogs, such as foxhounds, beagles, spaniels, and more.
Today, the surname is popular in Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It is a reminder of a time when such expertise in handling hounds was a valued skill. To be called a Huntsinger is to be associated with the profession of hunting and hounds, a respected activity in the Middle Ages and in some parts of the world today.
Order DNA origin analysisHuntsinger: Where does the name Huntsinger come from?
The last name Huntsinger is most commonly found in the United States. The 2010 U.S. census revealed that nearly 1,000 people bore the last name. The states with the highest concentration of Huntsingers are Pennsylvania, California, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Pennsylvania has the highest concentration of Huntsingers at 590 individuals who reported using the last name. California comes in second with 101 people using the last name. Ohio has the third highest concentration of Huntsingers at 78 individuals, followed closely by Indiana at 71 people and Wisconsin at 51 people.
Outside of the United States, the last name is almost non-existent. Research suggests that the Huntsinger family line originated in Germany, where today the name is even less common then in the United States. According to records, only 9 people living in Germany today use the last name Huntsinger. The last name is also recorded in Canada within the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario but with small numbers.
The last name Huntsinger is several centuries old and, due to its low prevalence, has largely stayed within the same family lines. As a result, this family name can be found in several states in the United States as well as some parts of Canada.
Variations of the surname Huntsinger
The surname Huntsinger is believed to have originated in Germany around the 13th century with the name’s initial form being Honsinger. The name is a combination of the Middle High German words “hunte” and “singer”, meaning “hunter” and “singer” respectively, signifying a person belonging to a family of hunters who could also sing.
The variations and spellings of the surname include Honsinger, Hantsinger, Heinsinger, Hahnsinger, and Hunsingier, amongst others. Huntsinger is the most commonly found spelling in the United States.
The surname an also take on different if the family’s surname changed at different points in time. These include variants such as Handuinger, Hanzinger, and Haensing, the latter of which is a combination of the original form, Honsinger, and Singer, a Dutch variant.
Huntsinger has been associated with some notable individuals, such as US Congressman David Martin Huntsinger, and Oberst Hartmut Huntsinger, a German military officer.
Many of the genealogical records on Huntsinger date back to the 18th century in Germany and continue up until the present day. There are also a number of families with the surname across the United States, Canada, and Europe, as well as Australia.
Famous people with the name Huntsinger
- Jayme Huntsinger, former professional Volleyball player
- Clare Huntsinger Relyea, author
- Ethan Huntsinger, basketball player
- George W. Huntsinger, Jr., U.S. Army General
- Kara Huntsinger, figure skater
- Michelle Huntsinger, international traveler and photographer
- Richard D. Huntsinger, former Marine Corps officer
- Katelyn Huntsinger, IFBB Professional Bikini Athlete
- Natalie Huntsinger, professional Cyclist
- Kayla Huntsinger, Political Activist
- Victoria Huntsinger, most famous for her roles in “Cinderella” and “Tarzan”
- Alaine Huntsinger, philanthropist
- Wes Huntsinger, athlete and Coach
- Henry Huntsinger, Physician
- Norman W. Huntsinger, Historian
- Ashley Huntsinger, Beauty Pageant Winner
- Sam Huntsinger, Artist and Creative Director
- Homer Huntsinger, Professional Athlete
- Jonathan Huntsinger, Entrepreneur
- Marissa Huntsinger, Radio Personality