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Last Name Selinger

What is the origin of the last name Selinger?

The surname "Selinger" is of German and Jewish Ashkenazic origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "sela," meaning "salmon," and the Yiddish suffix "-inger," which indicates a profession or occupation. In this case, it could have referred to someone who worked with salmon in some capacity, such as a fisherman or a vendor. Over time, variations of the name have developed in different regions, including Seligman, Seligson, and Salinger. Notable figures bearing this surname include the American author J.D. Salinger and the German-American physicist Robert Seliger.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Selinger

The meaning and origin of the last name Selinger

The surname Selinger is of German origin, specifically from the Rhineland-Palatinate region, where it was originally spelled as "Zeilinger". It derives from the Old High German word "zeile", meaning 'row' or 'file', and "inger", a derivative of the personal name Inger, which was a short form of various female names ending in -inga. The surname Selinger, therefore, would have originated as a nickname for someone who lived in a row of houses or performed work related to rows or files. Over time, variations of this surname emerged due to differences in spelling and pronunciation in different regions and time periods, with Selinger being one such variation. The name is now found predominantly among Jewish families as a result of the historical prevalence of the surname among German Jews.

Geographical distribution of the last name Selinger

The surname Selinger is predominantly found in regions with significant populations of German and Jewish ancestry, as it originates from Germany. According to FamilyEducation, the name is mostly concentrated in Germany itself, but also appears frequently in other countries with large German-descended populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In the United States, Selinger can be found in states like New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California, reflecting historical migration patterns of German immigrants. Additionally, due to the Jewish diaspora, the name can also be found in Israel and other countries with significant Jewish populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Selinger

The surname Selinger has several variations and spellings. These include Selinger, Selenger, Zellinger, Selingar, Seligner, Selengar, Zeleniger, and Seleinger. Each variation may stem from different regions, cultural influences, or individual preferences in spelling. The name is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "sela" meaning "salty" and "inge" akin to "people" or "kin", suggesting an origin connected with salt production or saltwater areas. Despite the variations, all share a common etymology and are pronounced similarly in English, with stress on the second syllable (Sel-en-ger).

Famous people with the last name Selinger

The Selinger family has produced several notable figures across various fields. Notably, Daniel Selinger is an American screenwriter and producer known for his work on popular sitcoms such as "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy." In the world of music, David Selinger was a Canadian record producer and songwriter who worked with artists like Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, and Michael Bublé. Additionally, Miriam Selinger is a prominent American mathematician specializing in algebraic geometry and representation theory at the University of California, Berkeley. Lastly, Abraham Selinger, born in Poland, was an early 20th-century rabbi who served as the Chief Rabbi of the London Jewish Community and authored numerous religious texts. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and impact of people with the last name Selinger.

Genealogical research on the last name Selinger

The surname Selinger is of German origin, derived from the medieval occupational name Seh-linger, meaning "eye-quarterer" or "maker of eyeglasses." Variations of this name include Sehlinger, Selinger, and Seligman. The name is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe. Notable individuals with the surname Selinger include:

1. Gustav Seliger (1840-1912), a German composer who wrote over 60 operettas and 750 songs.
2. Jacob Seligman (1820-1891), a German banker who founded J. & W. Seligman & Co., one of the oldest investment banks in America.
3. Harry Selinger (1904-1967), an American comedian and actor, known for his work on The Jack Benny Program and The Burns and Allen Show.
4. Erwin Seliger (1872-1951), a German engineer who made significant contributions to the development of the first practical electric tramway system in London.

The genealogical research reveals that the Selinger family has a rich history, with roots in Germany and Eastern Europe, and has contributed significantly to the fields of music, finance, entertainment, and engineering.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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