Surname Dillinger - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dillinger: What does the surname Dillinger mean?
The surname Dillinger is of German origin and is believed to be occupational, derived from the German word "dillinger", a diminutive form of "dill", referring to the aromatic herb. The implication is that the original bearer of the name was a grower or seller of dill. Full comprehension of the name's meaning requires an understanding of the historical and cultural significance of herbs and spices, which were not just culinary essentials but held significant roles in medicine, trade, and even religious ceremonies during the time from which such surnames come. Like most surnames that originated during the medieval period, they were often derived from the person's occupation, physical appearance or characteristics, geographic location, or even their father’s name (patronymic). While 'Dillinger' is not a widely common surname today, it is most famously associated with John Dillinger, an infamous American gangster from the Great Depression era.
Order DNA origin analysisDillinger: Where does the name Dillinger come from?
The surname Dillinger is of German origin. It is derived from the town of Dillingen in the German state of Bavaria. The name was first given to someone who was a resident of this town. The "-er" at the end of the name is a common suffix in Germanic languages, which means 'from' or 'of', indicating a geographical origin.
As people emigrated from Germany to other parts of the world, they carried the name with them, and as such, it can be found anywhere in the world today. However, it is most common in the United States, particularly in the Midwest where many German immigrants settled during the 19th and 20th centuries. The name may have gained some notoriety from the infamous American bank robber, John Dillinger.
Although the name has regional concentrations, it isn't particularly common anywhere in the world today. It is more likely to be encountered in countries with a significant population of German descent, such as the US, Germany, or parts of Canada and South America.
Variations of the surname Dillinger
The surname Dillinger is of German origin and has varied spellings and variants deriving from different regions and times. Alternate spellings of Dillinger can include Dillenger, Dilinger, Dyllinger, and Dillinder. Slightly different but related versions could also include Dill, Diller, Dilling, and perhaps even Dillion. Spellings and surnames of the same origin are often influenced by factors such as immigration, regional dialects, illiteracy, and phonetics, resulting in minor or major alterations to the original surname. For instance, when German immigrants moved to English-speaking countries, the names often changed slightly to fit English phonetics.
These variations might also be extended to include geographical or occupational markers. For example, Dillingham or Dillingerhof, indicating a person from a place called Dilling or Dillinger. Alternatively, it could be broadened to include the occupational surname Dillman, denoting someone who deals with dill, a type of herb. Consequently, any combination of these variations or derivative forms related to the geographical or occupational context could be potential variants or spellings originating from Dillinger. However, specific historical or genealogical research might be required to confirm these associations.
Famous people with the name Dillinger
- John Dillinger: He was a notorious American gangster during the Great Depression era. His gang was infamous for robbing 24 banks and 4 police stations.
- Jeffrey Dillinger: An American film and television writer known for his work in the series 'iCarly'.
- Daz Dillinger: A rapper who was part of the hip hop duo "Tha Dogg Pound" alongside Kurupt.
- Michael Dillinger: A celebrated American music producer who has worked with numerous popular musicians.
- Clarence Dillinger: A known U.S. Senator from Washington from 1923 to 1935.
- Ralph Dillinger: A notable American Democratic Party politician.
- Fritz Dillinger: A well-known German footballer who has played for the national team.
- Frank Dillinger: The French architect known for his structures like the Multihalle in Mannheim.
- Laurence Dillinger: A famous British writer and poet.
- Ted Dillinger: A prominent educationist and author recognized for his contribution to developing school education systems in the United States. Note: Few of the names may hold local prominence and might not be globally recognized.