Surname Swiger - Meaning and Origin
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Swiger: What does the surname Swiger mean?
The surname Swiger is believed to be of German origin, based on genealogical records and geographical distribution. However, the exact meaning of the name is not clear. In general, many German surnames originated from occupational names, geographical locations, or descriptive characteristics. Thus, Swiger might be related to an occupation or place. Some sources suggest that it might be a derivative of "Schweiger", a surname meaning "bailiff" or "steward". Given the common variations in spelling and pronunciation throughout history and the immigration processes, it's most likely that the name's spelling has been anglicised. Notwithstanding, without specific historical and contextual knowledge about the ancestors of the Swiger family, it's difficult to identify the exact origin and meaning of the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisSwiger: Where does the name Swiger come from?
The last name Swiger is commonly found in North America, primarily in the United States. Swiger got its start in Pennsylvania, likely originating in the late 1700s to the early 1800s. It is most prevalent in the Midwest and Appalachia, though more recently the name has increased in population throughout the country. The name is often thought to be Scottish in origin, likely from the term "swiger," which denotes a person who lived in a hut in the east of Scotland.
Swiger is seen in the highest numbers in Pennsylvania, with the name also showing high population numbers in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio. It also appears in the states of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina and South Carolina. It is most likely to be found in rural areas, small towns, and suburbs.
Outside of the US, Swiger is seen in smaller numbers throughout Canada, primarily in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
While the name Swiger is not particularly common, it is still heard in a variety of places. It may be seen in varying forms, such as Swiger or Swigerr - but the meaning is the same: one who hails from the east of Scotland.
Variations of the surname Swiger
The surname Swiger is a variation of the surname Schwiger, which is a German and Jewish surname that originated in Germany. It is derived from the West Middle High German word "schwigeren," meaning "to violently stir up or move something". The Swiger surname is found mainly in the United States, although it can be found in other countries as well. Variants, alternate spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the name Swiger include the following:
Swagger: A variation of the Swiger surname found primarily in the United States.
Schwager: A German spelling of the surname.
Schwiger: The most common variant of the Swiger surname.
Schweiger: Another German variant of the Swiger surname.
Szwieger: A Polish variant of the Swiger surname.
Swyger: A Flemish variant of the Swiger surname.
Swieger: A Dutch variant of the Swiger surname.
Schvieger: A Czech variant of the Swiger surname.
Swiegers: A Dutch patronymic surname derived from the Swiger surname.
Swigerz: A Polish variant of the Swiger surname.
Schwiegert: A German surname derived from the Swiger surname.
Swiegerman: A Dutch patronymic surname derived from the Swiger surname.
In addition, some non-German surnames may share similarities with the Swiger surname, such as Weaver, Schwartz, and Webster.
Famous people with the name Swiger
- Christopher Swiger: Christopher Swiger is an American actor, comedian, writer and producer. He is best known for his work on The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
- Joe Swiger: Joe Swiger is an American country music singer-songwriter and recording artist from Virginia. He has released several albums since his debut in 2006.
- Chad Keel Swiger: Chad Keel Swiger is an American politician who served as the 25th Secretary of Education of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2007 to 2012.
- Chris Swiger: Chris Swiger is a former American college basketball player who was the starting point guard for the Saint Joseph's Hawks from 1997 to 2001.
- Joy Swiger: Joy Swiger is an American artist who has exhibited in galleries in the United States and Europe, and her work is in the collections of institutions including The Smithsonian American Art Museum.
- John N. Swiger: John N. Swiger is an American public figure known for his role in the 1963 civil rights movement. As a mayor of a small town in the South, he worked to end segregation and fight for equal rights and fair housing.
- Paul Swiger: Paul Swiger is a former professional American Football player who played tight end for the Seattle Seahawks from 1991 to 1998.
- Don Swiger: Don Swiger was an American jazz drummer and vibraphonist who played in and recorded with a variety of jazz ensembles. He is best known for his recordings with Billie Holiday.
- Art Swiger: Art Swiger is a retired professional basketball player from the National Basketball Association who played for the New York Knicks from 1968 to 1975.
- Gary Swiger: Gary Swiger is an American Police Chief with the Newport News Police Department in Virginia and the current president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police.