Last Name Auger

The origin of the last name "Auger" can be traced back to multiple sources. 1. French Origin: in French, "auger" means "to bore" or "to drill." It is derived from the Latin word "augere," which has the same meaning. The surname could have emerged as an occupational name for someone who worked as a carpenter, miller, or woodworker using a drilling or boring tool called an "auger." 2. English Origin: in England, "Auger" is a variant of the medieval given name "Algarius," which is composed of the elements "algar" meaning "elf spear" and "-ius" indicating "son of." Over time, the name Algarius transformed into "Auger" as a surname. Due to migration and the passage of time, the surname "Auger" can be found in various parts of the world, including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Auger

Insights into the ethnicity of those bearing the surname Auger can also be garnered from the Decennial U.S. Census data. The majority of individuals with this surname identified as White, although there was a slight decrease over the decade from 95.41% in 2000 to 94.60% in 2010. The Hispanic representation among Augers increased significantly over the same period, moving from 1.28% to 2.22%, which represents a 73.44% change. The percentage of those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander or belonging to two or more races also rose slightly. The proportion of Black individuals with the Auger surname decreased by -21.95%, while the percentage of American Indian and Alaskan Native remained stable at 0.38%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	95.41%	94.6%	-0.85%
Hispanic	1.28%	2.22%	73.44%
Two or More Races	1.1%	1.22%	10.91%
Black	1.23%	0.96%	-21.95%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.6%	0.62%	3.33%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.38%	0.38%	0%

Auger ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Auger is British & Irish, which comprises 39.3% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (34.3%) and Eastern European (6.8%). Additional ancestries include Spanish & Portuguese, Italian, Scandinavian, Finnish, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	39.3%
French & German	34.3%
Eastern European	6.8%
Other	19.6%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Auger

The meaning and origin of the last name Auger

The surname Auger has an occupational origin, deriving from the Old French term "augeor" or "augier," meaning an "auger" in English. An auger was a specialized tool used for boring holes in wood or the ground. As such, the surname Auger was given to individuals who primarily worked as carpenters, woodworkers, or craftsmen requiring the use of an auger in their trade. The surname Auger is also known to have variations such as Augier, Augère, and Auge, indicating different regional adaptations or evolutions of the name over time. Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Auger migrated to various parts of the world, potentially contributing to different spelling variations or pronunciations in different regions. Today, the surname Auger can be found globally, symbolizing the historical occupation of those who once wielded the auger tool in their craftsmanship.

Geographical distribution of the last name Auger

The last name Auger has a diverse geographical distribution around the world. It is primarily found in French-speaking countries and regions, such as France, Quebec (Canada), and parts of Switzerland and Belgium. In France, Auger is particularly prevalent in the areas of Normandy, Brittany, and the Loire Valley. The name also has a presence in English-speaking countries, such as the United States, where it is more commonly Anglicized as "Ogier." Auger can be found in various states across the U.S., with significant concentrations in Louisiana and Maine due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, the surname has reached other parts of the world through immigration, including Australia, New Zealand, and some countries in South America. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Auger reflects the movement and settlement of individuals with French ancestry across different continents and regions throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Auger

The last name Auger has a few variations and spellings that have evolved over time. One common variant is "Augur," which is likely the result of a pronunciation shift or a spelling error. Another variation is "Ogier," which may have originated from a different regional pronunciation or spelling preference. Additionally, the name "Augar" has been used in certain instances, potentially as a simplification or alternative spelling. It is worth noting that surnames can be subject to different spellings due to regional accents, dialects, or the preferences of individuals during the process of record-keeping. This can lead to further variations and alternative renderings of the name, such as "Auggar," "Aughur," or "Augarre." However, despite these variations, the essential sound and recognition of the name remain intact, representing a lineage of individuals connected by their common ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Auger

There is limited information available regarding famous individuals with the last name "Auger." One noteworthy figure is Brian Auger, an influential British jazz and rock keyboardist. Born in 1939, Auger's career spans several decades and genres, making him a prominent musician in the music industry. He gained recognition as part of the Brian Auger Trinity, a jazz-rock band that achieved commercial success in the 1960s with hits like "This Wheel's on Fire." Auger further solidified his stature by collaborating with renowned artists such as Eric Clapton and Rod Stewart. Another personality associated with the name Auger is Suzanne Auger, a talented Canadian actress. Although less widely known than other renowned performers, Suzanne Auger has contributed to the film industry, particularly in French-language movies. While the name Auger may not be as recognizable in comparison to other famous surnames, Brian Auger and Suzanne Auger stand as notable figures within their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Auger

The surname Auger has its origins in the ancient region of Normandy, France. The name is derived from the French word "augier," which refers to someone who works with iron or iron ore. The earliest known record of the Auger family can be traced back to the 14th century in France. From there, the family began to spread across different European countries, including England and Scotland. One notable branch of the Auger family migrated to Canada in the early 17th century, settling in Quebec. Over time, members of the family became involved in various trades and professions, including blacksmithing, farming, and lumbering. Today, the Auger surname can be found in many parts of the world, and descendants of the family continue to explore their genealogical roots, uncovering more about their ancestors and their contributions to society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Auger"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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