Last Name Stinger

The surname "Stinger" is of Old English and Middle English origins, derived from the word "sting" which means a sharp point, prick, or sting, or a pointed weapon. It may have been originally an occupational name for someone who made or used such weapons, or a nickname for a quick-tempered or aggressive person. Another possibility is that it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived in a place with a conspicuous projecting rock or mound. In medieval times, such natural features were often given names derived from various objects, including weapons, to help people recognize landmarks. The surname "Stinger" is also found in some parts of Europe, although its origin and meaning may vary slightly depending on the specific region and language.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stinger

The meaning and origin of the last name Stinger

The surname Stinger is of English and French origin, with its roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It derives from the Old French word "estongier," which means "to sting" or "be a wasp." This name was often given to individuals who were quick-tempered, feisty, or had a sharp wit and tongue. Over time, as more records were kept, the spelling of the surname evolved into Stinger in English-speaking regions. Throughout history, people bearing this name have been found in England, France, and the United States, where they made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, military service, and commerce.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stinger

The surname "Stinger" has a predominantly Anglo-Saxon origin and is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. In the United States, it is distributed across various states, with concentrations in the South and Midwest regions, but it can be found in all 50 states. The highest frequencies of the Stinger surname are often recorded in urban areas such as Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and New York City. In England, it is most prevalent in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Durham. The distribution of this surname is less common in other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. It should be noted that there may be variations in spelling due to differences in transcription and natural evolution over time, such as Stynge, Steinger, or Stingar.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stinger

The surname Stinger has several variations and spellings worldwide. Some common variations include Stinger, Stynger, Steiniger, Steiner, Stengler, and Stingler. These differences can be attributed to regional dialects, phonetic interpretations during migration periods, or simple spelling mistakes over time. For example, the German surnames Steiniger and Steiner are both derived from the word "Stein," meaning stone, which has been anglicized as Stinger in some cases. Similarly, Stingler may be a variant of Stinger due to phonetic changes during migration. It's also worth noting that in some cases, the surname might have multiple origins, such as Steiniger being both German (meaning stone-maker) and Jewish (derived from the given name Shimon). These variations serve as a reminder of the rich historical tapestry that our names can represent.

Famous people with the last name Stinger

The Stinger surname is associated with several prominent figures across various fields. In entertainment, there is Kerry James Stinger, an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his work with the bands Talking Heads and Television. In the world of sports, Bobby Stinger, a former professional American football player, played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). In the field of science, David Stenger is a notable figure, serving as the Chief Scientist at Planet Labs, a satellite imaging company. Lastly, in politics, Robert Stinger, an American politician, served as a member of the New York State Assembly for 27 years, representing parts of Erie County. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements and impact that those bearing the surname Stinger have made in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Stinger

The surname Stinger is believed to have originated from England and Ireland, with separate lineages emerging from each region. In England, it is thought to be an occupational name for a maker or seller of arrows or other projectile weapons, derived from the Old English word "stenga," meaning staff or rod. The earliest known record of the Stinger family in England dates back to 1273, when Richard le Stingere was listed in the Hundred Rolls of Yorkshire.

In Ireland, the name is believed to be an anglicized form of Gaelic surnames such as Mac an Staingir or Mac an Stiabhnaigh, which mean "son of the stinger" or "son of the wasp," respectively. The earliest known Irish records of the Stinger family date back to the 17th century, with early settlers in counties Cork and Tipperary.

Over time, branches of the Stinger family emigrated from England and Ireland to other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where they established new lineages and adapted to their respective cultural environments. Today, the surname remains relatively rare but can be found in various countries around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stinger"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends