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Last Name Inga

What is the origin of the last name Inga?

The last name "Inga" is of Swedish or Norwegian origin. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from a personal name of a male ancestor, in this case, likely the given name "Inga" or "Ing" which means "to inherit" or "descendant" in Old Norse. The surname Inga is relatively common in Scandinavian countries and may have been adopted by families in other countries with Scandinavian ancestry.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Inga

The meaning and origin of the last name Inga

The surname Inga originates from Scandinavia, specifically in the countries of Sweden and Norway. It is believed to have been derived from the Old Norse personal name "Ingvar", which was composed of the elements "Ing" meaning "ancestor" and "var" meaning "defender". The name Inga was commonly used as a patronymic surname, indicating descent from someone named Ingvar. Over time, this surname spread to other parts of Europe and eventually became more widely adopted. The name Inga may also have roots in the Latin word "ingens", meaning "huge" or "immense", suggesting a possible nickname for someone of large stature or great strength. Today, the surname Inga can be found in various countries around the world, often with variations in spelling or pronunciation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Inga

The last name Inga is most commonly found in South America, particularly in countries like Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. In Peru, the surname Inga is one of the most common indigenous surnames and is often linked to the Inca civilization. In Ecuador, the Inga name is prevalent among the indigenous populations in the Andean regions. Additionally, Inga is also present in Colombia, where it is likely linked to the Inga indigenous ethnic group found in the southwestern part of the country. Outside of South America, the surname Inga can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world, such as Spain and the United States, where individuals may have emigrated from South America or have ancestral ties to the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Inga

The last name Inga may also be spelled as Ingas, Ingā, Ingah, and Ingă. Variations of this surname include Ingar, Inge, Inghe, Ingha, Ingh, and Ing. Inga is a common surname in various cultures and regions, including Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and South America. The name may also be found in different spellings due to variations in pronunciation and transcription systems. In some cases, the name may be spelled with a double letter, such as Innga or Ingga. Overall, the surname Inga and its variations can be traced back to different linguistic origins and historical migrations, resulting in a diverse set of spellings and forms across different populations and countries.

Famous people with the last name Inga

There are not many famous people with the last name Inga, but one notable figure is Beto Inga, a professional Peruvian footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Deportivo Municipal in the Peruvian Primera División. He has made a name for himself with his skillful play on the field and has garnered a loyal fan base in his home country. Another well-known figure with the last name Inga is Martin Inga, a renowned Bolivian artist known for his dynamic and vibrant paintings that explore themes of identity, culture, and history in Latin America. Both Beto and Martin Inga have achieved success in their respective fields and have made a lasting impact on the world with their talent and creativity.

Genealogical research on the last name Inga

The last name Inga is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Norway. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Ingir, which means "descendant of Ing" or "belonging to Ing". The name can be traced back to the Viking Age, indicating a strong Norse lineage. Over time, the surname Inga has spread to other countries such as Sweden and Denmark, as well as to regions with Scandinavian influence, like Iceland and Finland. It is possible that individuals with the surname Inga may have ancestors who were involved in seafaring, trading, or exploration during the Viking era. Today, the name Inga is relatively rare and may be found in various parts of the world, particularly in regions with a history of Scandinavian settlement or migration.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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