Show ContentsGingerich History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished surname Gingerich is of German origin. It is derived from the old Germanic personal name "Gundericus," which is itself derived from the Middle High German "gome," meaning "man," and the Old High German "rihhi," meaning "powerful." The surname indicates "son of Gingerich."

Early Origins of the Gingerich family

The surname Gingerich was first found in Germany, where the surname was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. The members of the Gingerich family declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power.

Early History of the Gingerich family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gingerich research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1792 and 1794 are included under the topic Early Gingerich History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gingerich Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Gingerich, Güngerich, Günrich, Günzerich, Ginrich and many more.

Early Notables of the Gingerich family

Notables of the time with the name Gingerich included

  • the noble Gingerich family of Bavaria

Gingerich Ranking

In the United States, the name Gingerich is the 8,199th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1


United States Gingerich migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Gingerich Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Joseph Gingerich, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1717 2
Gingerich Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Maria Gingerich, aged 12, who arrived in America in 1840 2
  • Peter Gingerich, aged 14, who landed in America in 1840 2
  • Abram Gingerich, aged 39, who arrived in America in 1840 2
  • Anna Gingerich, aged 8, who landed in America in 1840 2
  • Barbara Gingerich, aged 37, who arrived in America in 1840 2
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Gingerich (post 1700) +

  • Owen Jay Gingerich (1930-2023), American astronomer and professor emeritus of astronomy and of the history of science at Harvard University
  • Philip D. Gingerich, American Professor of Paleontology, Professor of Geological Sciences, Professor of Biology, Professor of Anthropology


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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