Last Name Treger

The last name Treger is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin and is derived from the Yiddish word "treger," meaning "carrier" or "porter." It is a surname that emerged during the Middle Ages as Jewish people were often identified by occupational names. The Treger family is believed to have originated in Germany, Poland, or Russia. However, it's important to note that surnames can have various origins and meanings, and the specific history of each family may differ.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Treger

The meaning and origin of the last name Treger

The surname Treger is primarily of German origin, derived from various places named Treger or Tregernau in the northwest of modern-day Germany and Austria. It is also found among German-speaking populations in Switzerland. The name originates from the Old High German 'Trehi' meaning 'homestead' or 'farmstead,' often associated with a specific location, and '-ger' which indicates 'people who live at.' Over time, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the original name emerged. These include Tregar, Trager, Treger, and others. The surname has since been adopted by various populations around the world due to historical events such as migrations and religious persecutions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Treger

The surname Treger is primarily distributed across various regions of Europe, with significant concentrations in Eastern and Central Europe. In Poland, it is a common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Triger," which means locksmith or craftsman. In Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, Treger is also found among Jewish communities. In France, Germany, and Switzerland, it may have origins in the Old High German word "dricha-gara" meaning "strong spear." The name can also be found in smaller numbers in countries such as Belgium, Austria, and the United States, where it was brought by European immigrants. In recent years, due to diaspora and migration, Treger can also be encountered in other parts of the world, including Israel, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Treger

The surname Treger has various spelling variations due to transcription errors and regional dialects over time. Some of these include Tregar, Trager, Trigger, Traeger, Treiger, and Trujillo (a less common variant, but possibly originating from a Basque-French family named de Tregur). The original spelling is believed to be Tregar or de Tregar, which comes from the Breton word "tre-gwar" meaning 'house of the falcon'. This name is primarily of Welsh and Cornish origin.

Famous people with the last name Treger

Notable individuals with the surname Treger include:

1. Marc Treiger: An American film and television producer who has worked on projects such as "The Sopranos," "Rescue Me," and "Nurse Jackie." He co-founded the production company Apostle Pictures, which produced the series "Boardwalk Empire."

2. Rachel Treger: A British classical violinist known for her work with orchestras like the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. She has also been a guest artist with various ensembles worldwide.

3. David Treger: An American composer and conductor, best known for his opera "The Death of Klinghoffer." He has composed music for both orchestral and chamber works and has served as the music director for numerous theaters in the United States.

4. Emanuel Treiger (1870-1939): A Russian-American Jewish journalist, publisher, and labor leader who was one of the founders of the United Hebrew Trades. He played a significant role in organizing strikes among New York City's Jewish workers during the early 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Treger

The surname Treger is believed to have origins in France and Germany. One theory suggests that it derives from the Old High German "Trager," meaning carrier or bearer. Another theory links it to the Jewish surname Triger, which may have originated from the Yiddish word "treger," meaning baker. The Treger family is known to have lived in various regions across Europe, including France, Germany, and Poland. Notable individuals with the name include French violinist Eugène Treget (1839-1880), German lawyer Ernst Treger (1867-1954), and Polish-Jewish poet David Frischmann-Treger (1832-1910). The family later migrated to the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Treger"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends