Show ContentsLingg History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Austria is the homeland of the Lingg family. Originally, the Austrian people were known only by a single name. The process by which hereditary surnames were adopted in Austria is extremely interesting. The process took place during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames.

Early Origins of the Lingg family

The surname Lingg was first found in Austria, where the name became noted for its many branches within the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied and enrolled by the princes of the region. Chronicles mention one Francze Lynke (Lynkehand) of Liegnitz in 1397, and one Herman Lynkfuss of Sorau in 1381. The literal meaning of the name was "left-handed," or even "one who is clumsy or awkward," but was taken on by numerous branches of the family. They became a power unto themselves, and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew wealthier and more influential.

Early History of the Lingg family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lingg research. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1286, 1658, 1674, 1734, 1807, 1816, 1820 and 1905 are included under the topic Early Lingg History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lingg Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Lingg include Linker, Lincker, Link, Linke, Linke, Lynker, Lyncker, Lynke, Linkhand, Lyncke and many more.

Early Notables of the Lingg family

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

Migration of the Lingg family

After the First World War, Austria became a republic. The Treaty of Versailles broke up the empire in 1919 and many of the Sudeten Germans were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia. In the 20th century, many Austrians migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Lingg were Jacob Link, who came to Philadelphia in 1749. Christian Link came in 1753; Frederick Link in 1772; and Michael Link in 1751. Numerous bearers of this name came to New York in 1875.


Contemporary Notables of the name Lingg (post 1700) +

  • Lingg Brewer (b. 1944), American Democratic Party politician, Democratic Candidate for Michigan State Senate 24th District, 1982, 1986; Member of Michigan State House of Representatives 68th District, 1995-2000 1


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 25) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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