Last Name Perger

The surname Perger is of German origin. It is derived from a professional occupation as a "Pfarrer," which means "parish priest" in German. Over time, various spellings of this surname have emerged, including Perger, Bergner, Perner, and Pernter, due to regional variations and changes in transcription over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Perger

The meaning and origin of the last name Perger

The surname Perger originates from Germany and Austria, where it is thought to have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a 'berg', or mountain in German. An alternative theory suggests that it could be an occupational name for a guard or watchman on a tower or fortification (also derived from 'berg'). The name Perger is also found in Switzerland and Czech Republic, but its earliest recorded occurrence was in the 13th century in Germany. A notable bearer of the surname is Johann Perger, an Austrian painter who lived during the Baroque period. Over time, variations in spelling such as Bergner, Pergnar, and Pergunter have emerged due to dialectal differences and other factors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Perger

The surname Perger is primarily concentrated in Austria and Germany, with significant concentrations in their respective Alpine regions, particularly Tyrol and Salzburg in Austria, and Bavaria in Germany. Additionally, smaller populations bearing the last name Perger can be found in other German-speaking countries like Switzerland and Liechtenstein, as well as in some parts of Italy, notably South Tyrol. A lesser number of individuals with the surname Perger reside in other European countries such as France, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. In North America, the Perger family is predominantly found in Canada, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario, and to a lesser extent in the United States. The dispersal of this surname may be attributed to historical migration patterns, including the post-World War II migration of Austrians to other countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perger

Perger is primarily a surname of Austrian origin, although it may also be found in other German-speaking regions. The name has several spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and changes in transcription over time. Some of these variants include Perker, Pergar, Pergerer, Pergher, and Pergler. It is derived from an occupational name for a maker or seller of pears, which comes from the Middle High German word "perc" meaning pear. This surname can also be found in other forms such as Pierger, Pierkar, Pierker, Perigot, and Periot, reflecting further adaptations due to linguistic changes and migration.

Famous people with the last name Perger

Notable individuals with the surname Perger include:

1. Hans Perger (born 1947), an Austrian physicist and professor who is known for his work on fluid mechanics, acoustics, and biomechanics. He has received several awards for his contributions to science.

2. Christoph Perger (born 1967), an Austrian politician who has served as a member of the National Council since 2013, representing the Green Party.

3. Erwin Perger (born 1954), an Austrian former football player and manager who played for clubs such as Rapid Vienna and Austria Wien during his playing career. He managed several Austrian and German football teams.

4. Thomas Perger (born 1967), an Austrian politician who has been a member of the European Parliament since 2019, representing The Greens-The Green Alternative.

5. Paul Perger (1873–1955), an Austrian architect who was a leading proponent of Viennese modernism and designed numerous buildings in Vienna during the early 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Perger

The surname Perger originates from Germany and Austria, with documented roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. One of the earliest known references of the name is found in the records of the Diocese of Regensburg in 1268, where a certain Henricus Perger was mentioned. The name is believed to have been derived from various geographical locations in Germany and Austria bearing the prefix "Perge" or "Perch," which means "swamp" or "marshy land." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname evolved as families migrated across Europe, with variations such as Perger, Pergerer, Pörger, Pörrger, and Perker appearing in records from different regions. The name has been prevalent in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking countries, with notable individuals bearing the surname contributing to various fields including science, politics, and the arts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "perger"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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