The surname Munger is of Old English and Scottish origin. It is derived from a place name, which could be any one of several locations named with the Old English elements "mung" (mint) or "munge" (young shoot), combined with other elements such as "ing" (associated with) or "tun" (farmstead). As a surname, it is believed to have been originally occupational for someone who lived near or worked at one of these places. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on individual family histories and specific locations.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Munger
The meaning and origin of the last name Munger
The surname Munger is an Anglo-Saxon name of Old English origin, derived from a geographical location or a topographic name for someone who lived near a mound or hill. The name "Munger" comes from the Old English word "mung(e)or," meaning mound or hill. Over time, it has been variously spelled as Monger, Mungar, and Munger. The surname Munger is primarily found in England, with notable concentrations in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It's also present in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, where it was brought by early English settlers. Throughout history, the Munger family has produced individuals from various walks of life, including politicians, artists, scientists, and military leaders.
Geographical distribution of the last name Munger
The surname Munger is primarily concentrated in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is most prevalent in states like Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, which may be attributed to early European settlers from Germany, England, Scotland, and Ireland. The name also appears in significant numbers in California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, Munger is frequently found in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. While the name has a strong presence in these regions, it can also be found in smaller numbers across other parts of the world, including England, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variants and spellings of the last name Munger
The surname Munger has several variants and spellings due to transcription errors over time, geographical influences, and individual preferences. Some common variations include: Minger, Munger, Monger, Monker, Mungair, Mungairr, Mungairre, Mungaire, and Mongaire. These variations may arise from regional dialects or the influence of other languages on English spelling. Additionally, there might be instances where the surname is misspelled as Minger-Munger, Mun-Ger, or Mung-er due to the combination of first and last names during transcription. It is essential to note that these variations may affect genealogical research, as different spelling versions can lead to the misidentification of individuals in historical records.
Famous people with the last name Munger
Charles T. Munger is a prominent figure with the surname Munger. He is an American investor and philanthropist, best known as Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate held by Warren Buffett. Munger graduated from Harvard Law School in 1951 and co-founded the Daily Journal Corporation, a legal publishing company he still serves as Chairman. He is also renowned for his philosophical approach to decision-making, often referred to as the "Munger's Elements of the Modus Operandi."
In addition, Stewart Munger is an American political activist and former Presidential campaign manager. Born in 1940, he played a significant role in the presidential campaigns of George McGovern and Gary Hart. Munger is also known for his work in environmental policy and advocacy.
Lastly, Thomas W. Munger, a historical figure, served as a Union Army colonel during the American Civil War. He led the 154th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment and was later brevetted to brigadier general for his service at the Battle of Fort Fisher in 1865.
Genealogical research on the last name Munger
The Munger surname is believed to have originated in Scotland and England, with variants such as Monger, Mungr, Mongh, Monge, and Monger also found. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is William de Monguer, who resided in Ayrshire, Scotland during the 13th century. The Mungers later migrated to Ireland where they became prominent in Ulster and Connacht regions. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many Mungers moved from Ireland to the United States, particularly to Pennsylvania and Virginia, due to religious and political persecution. Notable individuals with the surname include Thomas Munger, an early settler of New Jersey and a founder of Princeton University; Robert Munger, a prominent Pennsylvania businessman during the Industrial Revolution; and John William Munger, a successful entrepreneur who co-founded Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, one of the largest law firms in the U.S. Today, Munger is a relatively uncommon surname, with the highest concentrations found in the United States, Scotland, and England.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name Munidra is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit words “muni” meaning sage or ascetic, and “idra” meaning lord or ruler. This suggests that the or...
The last name "Muna Bhai" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the combination of "Munna," meaning a young boy or child in Hindi, and "Bhai," meaning brother in Hindi. This name...
The surname Muna Mohamed likely originates from Arabic-speaking regions, where "Muna" means "wish" or "desire" and "Mohamed" is a common given name that means "praiseworthy." It is...
The last name "Muna Prince" appears to be of English origin. The surname "Muna" could be derived from the Old English word "mōna," meaning moon. "Prince" is a common English surna...
The last name "Sahni" originates from the Hindu and Sikh communities of India, particularly in the states of Punjab and Haryana. It is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word...
The last name "Muna Sahoo" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Odisha. Sahoo is a common surname among the Odia-speaking people of the region. It is typically assoc...
The last name "Munabhai" originates from India and Pakistan. It is derived from the Sanskrit words "Muni," meaning sage or wise person, and "bhai," meaning brother. The name is com...
The last name "Munaear" has its origin in Finland. It is derived from the Finnish word "muna", meaning egg, and the suffix "-ear". It is likely a surname that was originally adopte...
The last name Munahlissa does not have a known origin or meaning in English. It does not appear to correspond to any common English or European surnames.
The surname "Munaim" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "mun'im" which means "benefactor" or "bestower of blessings." The name is likely to have originated fro...
The last name "Munajit" appears to have its origin in India, specifically among the Sikh community. This surname is likely derived from the Punjabi word "munajat," which means supp...
The last name "Munalal" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "muni," meaning "sage" or "wise one," and the name "Lal," which means "dear" or "beloved."
