Show ContentsRager History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The roots of the distinguished German surname Rager lie in the southern regions of Swabia, Bavaria, and Austria. The name is derived from the Middle High German words "reigel" or "reiger," both meaning "heron." The name was likely first bestowed on someone thought to have the characteristics of a heron as a nickname, eventually becoming a hereditary surname.

Early Origins of the Rager family

The surname Rager was first found in Bavaria, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name Rieger became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation.

Early History of the Rager family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rager research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1790 and 1792 are included under the topic Early Rager History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rager Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Rieger, Reiger, Riegger, Reigger, Riegar, Reigar, Riger, Rigger, Ryger, Rygger, Riegler and many more.

Early Notables of the Rager family

More information is included under the topic Early Rager Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rager Ranking

In the United States, the name Rager is the 7,132nd most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Rager family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Barbara Riger, who came to Pennsylvania in 1737; Jacob Riger settled in Pennsylvania in 1751; Johannes Rieger settled in Pennsylvania in 1743; Chistopher Riegler settled in Ohio in 1869.


Contemporary Notables of the name Rager (post 1700) +

  • Roger Rager (1948-2022), American racing driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series, inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, May 29, 2009
  • Christopher Rager (b. 1973), American voice actor


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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