Jaeger History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsIn the ancient German province of Westphalia, the surname Jaeger evolved. It is a nickname, a style of hereditary surname that developed out of the traditional German eke-names, that identified people by naming them after a physical characteristic or other identifiable trait. Jaeger is a name for a person who was known for his prowess and wisdom as a hunter. The name Jaeger is derived from the German word "jage," which is derived from Old German word "jagen," which means "to hunt." Hunting was considered a knightly pursuit during the feudal era. Early Origins of the Jaeger familyThe surname Jaeger was first found in the county of Mark (Dortmund,) where the family was anciently associated with the political and religious conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. The family founded numerous branches, many of which acquired manors and estates in surrounding regions, where they contributed to the prosperity of their society. Ancient chronicles first mention a branch of the family acquiring the estates of Kaackstedt and Ringenwalde in the district of Templin around 1376, and the estate of Zehlendorf in the district of Nieder-Barnim, around 1451. Venator, the Latin form of the name, often appears in chronicles in place of Jaeger. Early History of the Jaeger familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Jaeger research. Another 336 words (24 lines of text) covering the years 1678, 1698, 1771, 1780 and 1843 are included under the topic Early Jaeger History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Jaeger Spelling VariationsMany 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 Jaeger include Jaeger, Jeger, Jager, Jaegger, Jegger, Jagger, Jaegers, Jagers, Jaggers, Jaeggers and many more. Early Notables of the Jaeger familyNotables of the period with the name Jaeger were
Jaeger RankingIn the United States, the name Jaeger is the 3,326th most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Jaeger is ranked the 4,685th most popular surname with an estimated 1,500 - 2,000 people with that name. 2
After 1650, thousands of German settlers came to North America to escape the religious persecution and poverty that wracked Europe and to make the most of the opportunity to own their own land in a new country. They settled across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, and in Canada in Ontario and on the fertile plains of the prairie provinces. Among them: Jaeger Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Jaeger Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Jaeger Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
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