Surname Barringer - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Family Ties: My iGENEA DNA test experience, The Barringer Chronicles

Embarking on a fascinating journey exploring the heritage of the surname Barringer, an intriguing discovery awaits via the iGENEA DNA test. It unveils the deep-rooted history, health aspects, and connects to unforeseen relatives, redefining the sense of self-identity.

K. Barringer

Barringer: What does the surname Barringer mean?

Barringer is a surname of Germanic origin. It derives from the German name "Berenger" which is composed of two elements: "ber" meaning bear and "geri" meaning spear. Thus, the full meaning of the name can be construed as "bear spear", which could imply a person who is strong like a bear or who fights or hunts bears. This type of surname was often given based on a person’s physical characteristics, occupation, or even based on the geographical location of their home or from a family symbol. The name freely translated also signifies "mountain army". The Barringer family has a long history, with various notable individuals, such as Daniel Moreau Barringer, who was known for Barringer Crater, and Eugenie Barringer, a renowned miniature artist.

Barringer: Where does the name Barringer come from?

The surname Barringer is of German origin, derived from the personal name Berenger, which is composed of the elements ‘ber’ meaning ‘bear’ and ‘gar’ meaning ‘spear.’ This surname started as a nickname for a brave or fierce fighter, befitting the connotations of a bear and spear.

The Barringer name is believed to have diversified into various spellings due to the manner in which Medieval scribes recorded names, spelling them according to how they sounded. Variants of this surname include Behringer, Beringer, Berringer, and others.

Today, the surname Barringer is most commonly found in the United States, with a particular concentration in the state of North Carolina. It is also spread across English-speaking countries including Canada, Australia, and England. Notably, the Barringer Crater in Arizona, also known as Meteor Crater, is named after Daniel Barringer who was a pioneer in the field of meteorite impact study. Hence, the name Barringer carries a significant historical and scientific connotation.

Variations of the surname Barringer

The surname Barringer is of German origin, predominantly found in Southern Germany. Its variations can include spellings like Beringer, Behringer, Bäringer, Baeringer, Berenger, Bearinger, Berringer, and Beranger. The name originated from Berengar, an Old German personal name, which is composed of the elements ‘ber(n)’ meaning bear, and ‘ger’ meaning spear. 'De Berenger' was a name carried over to England by the Normans, and over time, it evolved into many variations due to regional dialects and phonetic spellings. Some forms of this surname are noted to have arisen independently in different regions of Germany and Switzerland so there could be multiple unrelated families with this surname. The surname can also be seen in variations where 'von' or 'van' is prefixed, indicating nobility or signifying "from (a certain place)", such as Von Barringer or Van Barringer. Some English forms of the name may include Berringer, Barringer, Berenger, Beranger, etc. The surname has also been Americanized in variants like Baringer or Barrenger in some cases.

Famous people with the name Barringer

• Daniel Barringer: An American geologist best known for his work proving the existence of meteorite impact craters on Earth, particularly the Barringer Crater in Arizona.
• Daniel Moreau Barringer: An American legislator from North Carolina who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1843 to 1849.
• Emily Barringer: Also known as Dr. Emily Dunning Barringer, she was a pioneering woman in the medical profession and the first woman to serve as an ambulance surgeon.
• Lauren Barringer: Also known as Lauren Myracle, she is a best-selling American author of young-adult fiction.
• Mike Barringer: An English comic book artist known for his work on a variety of popular comics, including Judge Dredd and Beauty and the Beast.
• Clay Barringer: An American film and television producer who worked on many notable TV shows and movies.
• Edwin Barringer: An English cricketer who played for Northamptonshire.
• Michael Barringer: A British playwright known for his work in the mid-20th century.
• Paul Barringer: An educator, scientist, and doctor in the late 19th and early 20th century.
• Richard Barringer: an American author and policy expert, focusing on conservation and environmental policy.

Other surnames

Barrington