Last Name Ottinger

The surname Ottinger is of German origin. It is derived from a Germanic given name, Otta or Odo, meaning wealth or prosperity, which was popular among the Franks and Saxons during the Middle Ages. The surname Ottinger is an occupational name for a servant or official in charge of the ovens or baking ovens, derived from the Old High German word "otto" (oven) and "-inger" (servant/person in charge). Alternatively, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent oak tree, as "Ottinga" is the Old High German term for oak.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ottinger

The meaning and origin of the last name Ottinger

The surname Ottinger is of German origin, derived from various place names in Germany, such as Ottingen, Otting, and Ottisheim. These places are named after either a personal name, "Otto," which means wealth or fortune, or "Ottokar," a compound of Otto and kar meaning battle-car or victory chariot. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of Europe due to migration and has since become a common name in various countries, including France, Switzerland, and the United States. The spelling variations in the surname Ottinger, such as Ottenberger, Ottingen, Ottinga, and Ottinge, are likely due to transliteration and transcription errors over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ottinger

The surname Ottinger is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Switzerland. It is also present in smaller numbers in neighboring countries like Austria and Liechtenstein, due to historical migration patterns. There have been recorded instances of the name in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, reflecting the spread of German culture across borders. In North America, Ottinger can be found among German immigrants who settled primarily in the United States and Canada during the 18th and 19th centuries. The surname is less common but still present in other parts of the world, such as South Africa, where it may have originated from German immigrants or their descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ottinger

The surname Ottinger has several variations and spelling alternatives, including but not limited to: Ottoinger, Otinger, Ottinga, Ottignon, Ottinyer, Ottenberg, and Ottendorf. These variations may originate from regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional alterations over time. It's essential to note that the spelling can also be influenced by migration patterns, as individuals adapted their names to fit linguistic norms in their new countries of residence. For example, Ottinger immigrants arriving in the United States may have encountered varying spellings due to differences in transcription or phonetic interpretation by immigration officials and census takers.

Famous people with the last name Ottinger

Notable individuals with the surname Ottinger include:

1. Werner Herzog Ottinger, born Werner Herzog Stipetic, is a German film director and actor, known for his distinctive voice and unconventional films such as "Fitzcarraldo" and "Aguirre, the Wrath of God."

2. Harmony Korine Ottinger, an American filmmaker and screenwriter, gained recognition with films like "Kids," "Gummo," and "Spring Breakers."

3. Robert Ottinger was a prominent American lawyer and civil rights activist who co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New York.

4. Thomas Ottinger is a German politician, serving as the Bavarian Minister of Justice and for Internal Affairs since 2018.

5. Katarina Ottinger is a Swiss snowboarder who competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including filmmaking, law, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Ottinger

The Ottinger surname is of German origin, derived from various locations in Germany named Otting or Ottingen. The earliest recorded instances of this name date back to the 13th century, with Konrad von Ottingen mentioned in Bavaria in 1238 and another Konrad Ottinger documented in Swabia in 1274.

The Ottinger family migrated across Europe, notably to France and Switzerland, due to religious and economic reasons during the Middle Ages. The name can be found spelled variously as Ottinge, Ottinger, Ottiniger, and Otinger, reflecting the phonetic variations in different languages and regions over time.

In North America, the Ottinger family is known to have settled primarily in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland during the 18th century, when German immigration increased significantly. The Ottinger family lines in these areas have since branched out, with descendants dispersing across the United States. Research continues to uncover more information about this fascinating family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ottinger"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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