Surname Scrimiger - Meaning and Origin
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Scrimiger: What does the surname Scrimiger mean?
The last name Scrimiger is of German origin. The name is derived from the Middle High German term "scrimpf", which translates to "wig maker". The name was likely originally a nickname for someone with a profession of making wigs, but could also potentially have been applied to someone known for their hair. It is also possible that the name could have referred to someone with a unique hairstyle or certain kind of hair.
It is also possible that the name could have been given as an occupational indicator of a medical field. Many people in the Middle Ages would regularly put on wigs to protect their heads from the cold, and thus wig makers could also have served as a kind of early barber or doctor.
The surname Scrimiger therefore likely began as an occupational or physical nickname, before becoming a meaningful last name for families or their generations. Though it is now more common to think of the name as being of German origin, variations of the name can also be found in other countries throughout Europe such as the United Kingdom and France. The name is most commonly spelled Scrimiger, but can also be found shortened to Scrim or any other variation of the name.
Order DNA origin analysisScrimiger: Where does the name Scrimiger come from?
The last name Scrimiger is most commonly found in the United States today. Historically, the surname originated in Germany and could trace its roots back to at least the 15th century. In the United States, the family can be most easily located in Pennsylvania, where it is believed to have first settled in the early 19th century. Other members of the family have since moved to other states, mainly Ohio, Illinois, and California.
The family also has a presence in Canada, although it is much smaller than in the US. There are also a few in Australia and New Zealand, although the prevalence in these countries is unknown.
Using the website Ancestry.com, the following is a general overview of where the last name Scrimiger is found in the US today:
Pennsylvania – 45%
Ohio – 15%
Illinois – 10%
California – 5%
Other states – 25%
In general, the surname is uncommon and rarely heard today. It is estimated that there are only a few hundred people currently bearing the last name in the United States and Canada combined, with the vast majority residing in the US.
Variations of the surname Scrimiger
The surname Scrimiger is a relatively rare surname of early medieval origin. It is thought to be of French-Flemish origin, derived from the Middle English origin of the word “skrymer”, meaning “merchant” or “factor”.
The original spelling is Scrimiger, but there are a variety of alternate spellings. Skrimager, Skrimigar, Scrimager, Scrymergare, Skrymergear, and Scrymiger are all variant spellings of the surname.
There are a few related surnames as well, including Skrymser, Skrymer, Skrymgear, Scrymser, and Beihammer. It is also sometimes spelled with a “k” at the beginning, as in Krimiger, Krimagar, Krimager, and Krimigar.
The surname Scrimiger appears to have been widespread in England in the 16th and 17th centuries. Records indicate that it was recorded in Lancashire, Norfolk, Leicestershire, and Warwickshire during this time.
The Scrimiger surname is still quite common in the UK, with around 4,000 individuals having the surname in the England and Wales combined. It’s also a popular surname in Germany, where it has been recorded in various states including Hamburg, Hessen, and Bavaria.
Whatever the spelling, the name Scrimiger is all connected to the same source of origin and likely denote those of a merchant, broker, trader, or clothier. The widespread nature of the surname suggests that the associated family line either traveled widely over its history, or was connected to and part of a larger regional trade organization.
Famous people with the name Scrimiger
- Mary Scrimiger: Mary is an American actress best known for playing roles in independent films like Dogman, Love or Whatever, and The Active Ingredients.
- Karl Scrimiger: Karl is a Swiss artist who was part of the minimalist art movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He created a number of large-scale sculptures and installations in Zurich, Basel, and other Swiss cities.
- Jeremy Scrimiger: Jeremy is an American lawyer who serves as the CEO of the Healthy Living Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and the prevention of obesity and diabetes.
- Sylvia Scrimiger: Sylvia is a Canadian writer and editor best known for non-fiction works of anthropology and sociology. Her most prominent works include The Rules of Social Engagement and The Mind of the Connected World.
- Jack Scrimiger: Jack is an American explorer who achieved fame when he became the first person to complete the so-called “Four Corners of the World” expedition by visiting the farthest points on the globe at each compass direction: the North Pole, the South Pole, the Easternmost point in Europe, and the Westernmost point in Asia.
- Joe Scrimiger: Joe is an American actor who has appeared in a number of television shows and movies, including Richard Linklater's "Dazed and Confused".
- Katherine Scrimiger: Katherine is an Australian scientist and environmental activist best known for her work on sustainable agriculture and her research into the impact of climate change on food production.
- David Scrimiger: David is a British actor known for his roles in films such as The Red Violin, Valkyrie, and Munich.
- Juliette Scrimiger: Juliette is a French writer, best known for her historical novels which have been adapted into several films, including The Marquise of O and The Perfume of the Lady in Black.