What is the origin of the last name Jaerling?

The surname Jaerling is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Denmark and Norway. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Jóarleifr," which means "descendant of Jóarr." The name Jóarr has its roots in the Old Norse elements "jórr" (god) and "hari" (army), so Jaerling can be interpreted as "descendant of the army of the god." Over time, various spelling variations emerged due to differences in pronunciation and transliteration, including Jærlig, Jærling, and Jaarlings.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jaerling

The meaning and origin of the last name Jaerling

The surname Jaerling is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "Gerold" which means spear-rule, indicating a ruler with a spear as his symbol. Over time, the name underwent phonetic variations in different regions, leading to the current spelling. In some instances, it has been recorded as Gerling and Jaering, among others. The migration of German-speaking populations during the Middle Ages contributed to the spread of this surname across Europe, including Scandinavia and other parts of the continent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jaerling

The surname Jaerling is predominantly found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway. It originates from the Old Norse personal name "Jorleikr," meaning 'earth-powerful.' This name was brought to Denmark by Norwegian settlers during the Viking Age. The distribution of the surname also extends to other parts of Europe due to migration and historical events, such as the Danish colonization of Iceland in the 9th century. In recent times, there are Jaerling families reported in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada, where Scandinavian immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jaerling

The surname Jaerling may have various spellings and variations due to historical transcription errors or regional dialects. Some possible versions include: Jaeerling, Jaering, Jearling, Jearlng, Jarrling, Jarling, Yarling, and Yarlin. These variants may stem from different periods of time or geographical locations, making tracing family history challenging but interesting. It's essential to note that spelling variations were common in the past, particularly before standardized spelling rules were established.

Famous people with the last name Jaerling

Notable individuals with the surname Järling include:

1. Johan August Järling (1860-1927), a Swedish chemist who discovered the element yttrium and made significant contributions to the field of mineralogy.

2. Mats Järlström (born 1953), a Swedish ice hockey player who won a silver medal at the 1976 Winter Olympics and played in the National Hockey League for seven seasons.

3. Anna Järling (born 1984), a Swedish singer, songwriter, and actress who has released several albums and gained popularity with her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015.

4. Carl-Johan Järling (born 1963), a Swedish politician and former member of the Riksdag, serving as Minister for Enterprise from 2014 to 2018.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as science, sports, music, and politics, showcasing the versatility and achievements of those bearing the surname Järling.

Genealogical research on the last name Jaerling

The surname Jaerling is primarily found in Denmark and Norway, with potential origins tracing back to medieval Scandinavia. It is derived from various place names containing the Old Norse elements 'Gar' meaning spear or javelin, and 'lundr' meaning grove or clearing. Notable individuals bearing this name include Johannes Jærlingsson, a Norwegian priest and historian in the 16th century, and Hans Jaerling, a Danish politician who served as Minister of Defense from 2001 to 2011. Genealogical research suggests that the Jaerlings may have originated from one or more of several places named Jarlsberg, Jarlsby, or Jarle in Denmark and Norway. The name's distribution indicates a strong Scandinavian heritage with some presence in North America as well, particularly in the United States, due to Scandinavian immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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