Show ContentsRigger History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The roots of the distinguished German surname Rigger 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 Rigger family

The surname Rigger 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 Rigger family

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

Rigger 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 Rigger family

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


United States Rigger migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rigger Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Gosper Rigger, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1737 1
Rigger Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Jacob Rigger, aged 21, who arrived in New York, NY in 1875 1


  1. 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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