Last Name Gilger

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gilger

The meaning and origin of the last name Gilger

The surname Gilger is of Old German origin, derived from various place names that were originally named with the element "Gilin" or "Kilin," which referred to a narrow valley or ravine. The name was initially used as a geographical locator and later became hereditary. Over time, it has been spelled in multiple ways, including Gilger, Gylger, Gyller, and Giller, due to variations in transcription and translation. It is primarily found among Germanic populations but has also been found in other parts of Europe, particularly in England, as a result of migrations or naming conventions brought by the Normans. The name gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century as a result of immigration waves from Germany and Scandinavia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gilger

The surname Gilger is primarily distributed across several regions in Europe, particularly Germany and its neighboring countries. In Germany, it is most prevalent in Bavaria, where it originated from the medieval village of Giggenhausen. It also has a significant presence in Austria and Switzerland due to historical migrations between these regions. Additionally, variations such as Giger, Gyger, Jäger, and Geier are found across Europe, suggesting possible spelling alterations over time due to linguistic differences or migration patterns. The name has also spread to the Americas, predominantly the United States, Canada, and Brazil, through immigration waves from Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gilger

The surname Gilger has several variations and spellings, primarily due to transcription errors and regional dialects over time. Some of these variations include:

1. Gilliger: A variation where an 'a' is added between the first two 'l's.
2. Gigler: A shorter version that may have resulted from an informal or casual context.
3. Jilger: An alternative spelling, possibly originating from a phonetic pronunciation.
4. Gilgier: Another variation, likely caused by a typographical error or mispronunciation.
5. Guilger: A less common variant that might have arisen due to French influence, given the similarity in sound with French surnames.
6. Kiegler: A Germanized version of Gilger, replacing the 'g' with 'k'.
7. Giljerg: A Scandinavian variant with a slight alteration in spelling.
8. Gyllinger: A more archaic or antiquated form of the surname.

These variations and spellings provide insight into the evolution and migration patterns of people bearing the name Gilger throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Gilger

Notable individuals with the surname Gilger include:

1. Mike Gilger, an American entrepreneur and the founder of the media company, The Thought & Expression Company (TEC). He is also known for his work as a life coach, podcast host, and speaker.

2. David Gilger, an American mathematician who has made significant contributions to the field of non-linear partial differential equations and their applications in fluid dynamics.

3. Shawn Gillies (often mistakenly spelled Gilger), a Canadian ice hockey player who played for teams including the Calgary Flames, Nashville Predators, and Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL).

4. Sarah Gilger, an American actress known for her roles in television series such as CSI: Miami, Without a Trace, and NCIS.

5. Jim Gilger, an American voice actor who has provided voices for numerous video games, cartoons, and commercials, including the character Manny Calavera in Grim Fandango.

Genealogical research on the last name Gilger

The Gilger surname is of German and English origin, derived from various place names and personal names, primarily from the Old High German 'Gisil-' meaning "hostage" or "pledge," and '-ger' meaning "spear-bearer." In Germany, places named Gilgersdorf and Gilgesheim exist in Bavaria. In England, the surname Gilger is believed to have originated from the name Gerard or Girard, a personal name of Norman origin composed of elements meaning "spear" and "brave." The first recorded instance of the last name Gilger can be traced back to 1273 in England, where Robert filius Gerard was mentioned in the Norfolk Hundred Rolls. Over time, the surname spread across Europe, with notable immigrations to the United States from Germany in the 1800s and from England in the 1600s and 1700s. Notable individuals with the Gilger surname include Gerhard Gilcher, a German politician, and Frank Gilberth, an American engineer and management consultant.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gilger"
• 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 : 23 July 2025