Surname Hennigar - Meaning and Origin
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Hennigar: What does the surname Hennigar mean?
The surname Hennigar is of German origin. It originates from the earlier forms Heiniger or Heinigerer. The name is a combination of the Germanic given name 'Heimo' (which means 'home') and the suffix '-ger' which suggests 'spear'. Therefore, it can loosely be interpreted as a 'warrior who is defending home'. The name may have started as a nickname for a homely person or a home-guard before evolving into a surname. However, as with many surnames, over centuries and generations meanings can change and alter. The surname Hennigar is not a common surname and it is most often found in Canada, although it can also be found in the United States, Germany and other parts of the world. Like with other surnames, people with the last name Hennigar are not necessarily related and can have different ancestors who simply happened to adopt or be given the same surname.
Order DNA origin analysisHennigar: Where does the name Hennigar come from?
The surname Hennigar is of German origin, as it was first found in the region of Hesse, where the family was known to have lived since the Middle Ages. The name Hennigar is a derivative of the personal name Heinrich (Henry), indicating "the son of Heinrich". During the medieval period, surnames were often formed by adding suffixes denoting personal relationships or physical characteristics.
Despite its German roots, the surname has dispersed over time and today it is common in North America, particularly in Canada. This is likely due to migration during important historical events like the World Wars. However, please note that name distribution might have changed over time and as per data, the surname may not be significantly common in any particular region anymore. Historical documents and genealogy websites can often provide more specific insights into the current and past distribution of individual surnames.
Variations of the surname Hennigar
The surname Hennigar appears to be of both English and German origin. Variants or potential misspellings of this surname might include Henninger, Henniger, Henigar, Hennegar, Heninger, Henegar, Heningar, and Henegor. Some of these variants, particularly Henninger, may have originated independently from Hennigar and can be surnames in their own right.
The surname Hennigar may also be connected to the Irish surname Heneghan through its anglicized versions Henegan or Henigan. This might be a connection worth exploring, even though the Irish and German or English origins are different.
In terms of surname meaning, surnames such as Henninger likely come from the German word "hennen", meaning hens, suggesting an ancestral occupation as chicken farmer.
The transcriptions, spellings, or pronunciations of a surname can alter significantly over time and geographical locations due to factors such as regional dialects, phonetics, immigration, and illiteracy.
Although these are potential derivatives or variations of the Hennigar surname, definitive connections can only be established through genealogical research and historical context. Always consult primary sources when tracing a particular family name or lineage.
Famous people with the name Hennigar
- Glen Hennigar: Canadian former ice hockey player.
- Bill Hennigar: Canadian former politician.
- Will Hennigar: Canadian actor and writer.
- Paul Hennigar: Canadian former chief of the Yarmouth First Nation.
- D. Fraser Hennigar: Canadian provincial Superintendent of Instruction in Nova Scotia.
- Dave Hennigar: Canadian former professional ice hockey player.
- Kate Hennigar: Canadian professional hockey player.
- Stuart Hennigar: Canadian Independent Member of Provincial Parliament in Nova Scotia.
- Thomas P. Hennigar: Canadian former police Chief of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
- Mat Hennigar: Canadian professional hockey player.