First found in the Rhine region, where the name contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation which would later play a large role in the tribal and national conflicts of the area. In later years the name branched into many houses, each playing a significant role in the local social and political affairs.

Between the 17th and 20th centuries, hundreds of thousands of Europeans came to North America, and many Rhinelanders were among them. They had many various reasons for making the choice: to escape poverty and persecution, for adventure, and for the opportunity to own their own land. Ellis Island, one of the main American immigration centers, saw many settlers as they moved on to the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, and New York. In Canada, they found homes in Ontario, and on the great plains of the Midwestern provinces. The Geiger were among of the early German families that came to North America: Hans Jergen Geiger, who came to Pennsylvania, with his wife and three children in 1727; Johann Adam Geiger came to Philadelphia in 1752. According to immigration records there were many Geigers, who almost without exception settled in Philadelphia or Pennsylvania..

For more information on the last name Geiger, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.