The surname Egge is of Old Norse origin, derived from the word "eik" meaning oak tree. It was originally a topographic name for someone who lived near an oak tree or possibly a nickname for a stout and strong person, similar to the English surname Oak. The name was common among Scandinavian settlers in Norway, Denmark, and Iceland, and it also spread to other countries through migration, particularly to Germany, where it is spelled Eggen or Eggers. In England, the spelling has evolved over time to Egge.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Egge
The meaning and origin of the last name Egge
The surname Egge is of Old Norse origin, derived from the word 'eigja' which means 'to own' or 'to possess'. It is believed to have been used as a nickname for someone who owned or lived near an area with many eggs (egg-field). This name was brought to England by the Scandinavian invaders and gradually spread throughout the British Isles, eventually reaching Ireland. Over time, variations of the surname emerged due to spelling inconsistencies caused by the phonetic differences between Old Norse, Old English, and later Latin-based languages, such as Middle English. Some variations include Egg, Egge, Eggs, and Eggie.
Geographical distribution of the last name Egge
The surname Egge has a significant presence in Norway, where it is one of the most common patronymic surnames derived from the Old Norse personal name Eiggr, meaning "egg." In Norway, it is particularly concentrated in the southern and western regions, such as Vestfold, Rogaland, and Hordaland. The Egge family also has a notable presence in Nord-Trøndelag, due to the region's historical importance as a center for Christianity in Norway. Beyond Norway, the surname can be found in smaller numbers in other Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark, as well as Germany and the United States, particularly among immigrants from Norway. In the United States, notable concentrations of Egge families are found in states with high Scandinavian immigrant populations, such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Variants and spellings of the last name Egge
The surname Egge has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations of this last name include Egg, Eg, Egges, Eggs, Eycke, Eik, and Aeg. These alterations may be the result of regional dialects, cultural influences, or simple misspellings in historical records. In genealogical research, it is essential to consider these variations when searching for ancestors with this name. Additionally, it's worth noting that Egge can have different meanings and origins across various countries. For instance, in Norway, Egge might mean "hill" or "mountain," while in Dutch-speaking regions, it may derive from the personal name Egbert.
Famous people with the last name Egge
The Egge family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Jonas Einar Egge, a Norwegian ski jumper who won the Olympic gold medal in the large hill team event at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics. He also claimed four World Championship titles and set numerous world records during his career. In literature, another notable figure is Katherine Mansfield Egge, a New Zealand-born writer who was a significant contributor to the modernist movement in literature. Her short stories, such as "The Garden Party" and "Bliss," are still widely read today. Lastly, Robert Egge, an American businessman, co-founded GrubHub, one of the largest online food ordering platforms in the United States. His entrepreneurial endeavors have significantly impacted the food delivery industry.
Genealogical research on the last name Egge
The surname Egge originates from Scandinavia, specifically Norway and Denmark. It is derived from the Old Norse word 'eigja' meaning 'own' or 'to own', potentially indicating a landowner or someone who owned livestock. In Norway, it is most common in the counties of Møre og Romsdal and Sogn og Fjordane. In Denmark, it is most prevalent in Jutland. The Egge family is known to have migrated to North America during the 19th century, with significant populations settling in the United States, particularly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Notable individuals with the surname Egge include Norwegian painter Christian Krohg and American politician Paul D. Egge. The Egge family tree has a rich heritage, intertwining Scandinavian roots with new beginnings in North America.
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