Surname Iger - Meaning and Origin
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Iger: What does the surname Iger mean?
The last name Iger is of German origin, with a possible translation of “illustrious, distinguished”. Coined in ancient times as a title for a leader or ruler, the word 'iger' or 'igar' was derived from elements of the Germanic languages and quickly became a common surname in Germanic countries.
The Iger family have a long line of illustrious and distinguished members, most famously Bob Iger, chairman, CEO and president of the Walt Disney Company. Bob Iger’s commitment to leading the creative and innovative vision of the Disney Company is a credit to the long line of high-achieving members of the Iger family, and is a testament to their illustrious heritage.
The last name Iger carries a number of other resonances too. It is often found in Jewish communities, as the similar name 'Iger', derived from the Hebrew term for “pine”, is used to express the beauty and strength associated with those majestic trees. It can also be found in the Scandinavian region, with the Swedish variant 'Äger' meaning “small island” or “rock”.
Above all, the last name Iger conjures up a sense of distinction and of a person of leadership and accomplishment. It is no surprise, then, that notable figures throughout history have borne the name, symbols of the power and legacy the Iger family brings with it.
Order DNA origin analysisIger: Where does the name Iger come from?
The last name Iger is most commonly found today in Germany, North America, and the United Kingdom.
In Germany, the Iger name has existed since at least the year 1537, when it was first found in a tax book from Rhineland-Palatinate. The family seems to have originated from the small village of Igerheim, located near the border of Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. The Igers of today are likely descendants of medieval families from the area.
In North America, the name is most common in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is believed to have arrived with German-speaking immigrants in the early 1800's, and with settlers from the former Soviet Union in the late 1900's. Today, those with the last name Iger are scattered across the U.S. and Canada, living largely in urban centers.
The last name is also relatively old in the United Kingdom, where records from the late 1600's and 1700's show that the Iger name was being carried by a number of British citizens. It is likely that they first crossed the ocean with other settlers and privateers from the German states, and settled mainly in the south and east of England.
In spite of its varied origins, the Iger name is still widely found in countries across the world. It is a testament to the resourcefulness and determination of those families who chose to make a life for themselves in a new land, and to the long name of Iger families that continues to this day.
Variations of the surname Iger
The name Iger is derived from the French name Aigier, which was originally derived from the Old French term aigler, which means "eagle hunter". Variants of the surname Iger include Aigier, Aiguier, Igier, and Igle. Additionally, other historically and geographically-based spellings and surnames of similar origin include Aygier, Aiguille, Aigouin, Aiguillon, Aiguy, Aguy, and Aygouin.
The surname Iger appears to have originally been derived from the medieval profession of those who were skilled in hunting and fowling for wild birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls. Being able to hunt predatory birds was seen as a noble and honorable profession, and many of the families with the Iger surname likely traced their ancestry back to these individuals.
In French culture, the surname Iger is often associated with noble and aristocratic families, and the spelling of the name likely varied depending on the region in which the surname originated from. Generally, however, the spelling of the surnames Aygier, Iger, Igier, Igle, Aiguille, Aiguillon, and Aiguy appeared more frequently in records than the other variants.
In modern times, the surname Iger is still quite prevalent in France, as well as in French-speaking countries in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and other parts of the world. Additionally, many people with the surname Iger also live in countries in Europe that were formerly part of the French Empire, such as Luxembourg and Belgium.
Famous people with the name Iger
- Robert Iger: Robert Iger is a prominent American business executive who is the chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, joining chairman of Disney in 2004. When named CEO in 2005, Iger oversaw the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm.
- Jeff Iger: Jeff Iger, the namesake of Robert Iger, is the younger brother of Robert and the President and CEO of Global Environmental & Technology Solutions. With a background in policy, Jeff Iger has served in the US House of Representatives and on the board of directors of the Nuclear Energy Institute.
- Susan Iger: Susan Iger is an American physician, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine and held positions as a clinical assistant professor and a special adviser to the health care reform group at Duke University's School of Medicine.
- Richard Iger: Richard Iger was a prominent American businessman and philanthropist. He was the founding president and chairman of the board of The Fenway Group, a diverse institution that offered comprehensive services to nonprofit organizations. He held board seats on the Bank of New York Mellon, the Institute for International Education and the National Symphony Orchestra.
- Wendy Iger-Manfredi: Wendy Iger-Manfredi is a prominent commodities trader and an executive in the banking and finance industry. She has worked for more than 25 years in the fields of commodities, derivatives, mergers & acquisitions, and financial services.