Last Name Obringer

The surname "Obringer" is of German origin. It comes from a place-name in Bavaria, Germany, where it was originally used as an occupational name for someone who came from or worked at a mill or grain storehouse associated with a man named Odo or Otto. The first part of the name, "Ober-," means 'upper' or 'over' in German and is often used as a prefix in place names to indicate higher ground. The second part, "-inger," denotes a person who belongs to or comes from that place. Over time, the spelling has been anglicized and variations such as Obrig, Obreger, Obernagel, and Obringer have emerged.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Obringer

The meaning and origin of the last name Obringer

The surname Obringer is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "ober" meaning 'upper' and "bingen," a place name referring to a fortified town on a bend in the river. Thus, the name Obringer originally denoted someone who lived or came from an upper or strategic location near a bending river. This surname, like many others, was often geographically determinative during the Middle Ages when inhabitants of a specific area were identified by the name of their village, region, or landmark. The spelling and pronunciation may have evolved over time due to various historical and linguistic factors, but its German roots remain consistent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Obringer

The surname Obringer is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, primarily in Germany and Austria, where it originates from. It also has a significant presence in Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Thurgau, due to historical migration patterns. Smaller numbers of individuals with this last name can be found in other countries with Germanic populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting immigration waves from the 19th and 20th centuries. In these regions, Obringer is often anglicized to variants like Oberinger or Aubringer. The distribution of this surname can also be seen in South America, particularly Brazil, as a result of immigration from Germany during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Variants and spellings of the last name Obringer

The surname Obringer has several variations and spellings, including Oberinger, Obringer, Oebringer, Obiringer, and Oberingar. These differences arise from factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors over time, and individual preferences in spelling. In some cases, the name may also be hyphenated or combined with other surnames to create compound names, such as Obringer-Smith or Obringer-Johnson. It is important to note that each of these variations can have different origins and meanings depending on the specific family history. The root word "Obrig" in these names often translates to "nobleman" or "lord" in German, reflecting a possible historical connection to the noble class. However, without knowledge of a particular family's lineage, it is impossible to determine the exact etymology of each variation of the Obringer surname.

Famous people with the last name Obringer

The Obringer family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is George Obringer (b. 1942), an American composer and musician, who gained fame for his works in experimental electronic music. Another prominent figure is Hans Obringer (1883-1950), a Swiss architect who worked alongside Le Corbusier on several significant projects, including the Villa Savoye in Poissy, France. In the realm of science, David A. Obringer is an influential ecologist and evolutionary biologist at Brown University, who has made significant contributions to understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity. Lastly, Lisa Obringer, a German-American author and poet, is recognized for her literary works that explore themes of family, identity, and displacement in the context of immigration and cultural change.

Genealogical research on the last name Obringer

The surname Obringer is of German origin, stemming from the Middle High German "obirin," meaning "overlord" or "master." It is believed to have been first used by a person who held a position of authority or dominance in feudal society. The name has been found to be prevalent in regions such as Bavaria and Swabia, where it was likely given to someone who lived in a village on higher ground, hence the term "overlord." Variations of the name include Obringer-Kast, which incorporates another locality or occupation. Notable individuals with the surname Obringer include Johann Conrad Obringer, a German clockmaker known for creating intricate and mechanically advanced clocks in the 18th century. The family history and lineage of the Obringers can be traced through genealogical records dating back to the late Middle Ages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Obringer"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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