Surname Göring - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Historical Footprints: My DNA Journey to Rediscover the Göring Legacy at iGENEA

Embarking on a journey to explore the ancestral roots linked to my German surname, Göring, through a DNA analysis at iGENEA, I discovered an illuminating and fascinating heritage, painting a vivid picture of my lineage and deeper insights into my personal identity.

M. Göring

Göring: What does the surname Göring mean?

The last name Göring is of German origin and is believed to be derived from the German word "göre" meaning "hare". The name is also related to the Middle High German verb "goeren" which means "to fight". Historically, the name Göring has been associated with some of Germany's most powerful families and is represented by a coat of arms with a wild boar rampant, as a symbol of strength and defiance.

The name first appears in historic records during the twelfth century in the Rhineland region of Germany, and was used by several prominent families. The most notable are the Göring family of the Bavarian duchy of Nuremberg who held a number of titles including Thurn und Taxis, Von Brienne, and Count of Goring. Another prominent member of this family was Hermann Göring (1893-1946) who was a German politician and military leader in the Nazi Party, and was one of the most powerful figures in the Nazi regime.

The Göring family is also associated with a number of other notable members, including Prussian General Wilhelm Göring who commanded several important campaigns in the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars, and aviation pioneer Baron Wolfram von Richthofen, who was related to Hermann Göring.

In modern times, the Göring surname is still common in Germany, and people bearing the name are likely to be descended from prominent families or German nobility. The coat of arms, with its boar rampant, remain a symbol of strength and defiance, and the name continues to evoke a sense of pride and honour in those who bear it.

Göring: Where does the name Göring come from?

The last name Göring is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. Although the name is considered to be derived from a Finnish-Gothic word meaning "wolf," its orthography more closely matches the German surname.

The name is most closely associated with Hermann Göring, a prominent Nazi leader under Adolf Hitler. However, the name is not necessarily linked to his infamous legacy and is considered a relatively common name in German-speaking countries. Indeed, many Germans who carry the name Göring are not related to Hermann Göring at all; instead, their family lines carry the name independently.

Notable people who bear the name Göring today include German-Israeli writer Myriam Göring, nephew of Hermann Göring; her cousin, former World Cup skier and Olympic silver medalist Georg Göring; guitarist Julia Göring of the band Blackboxx; and historian, politician and legal representative of the Göring family Jost Andreae.

In addition to its prevalence in Germany and Austria, the name Göring can also be found throughout the world due to the large number of German immigrants abroad. The name is especially common in places like the United States, Canada, Australia and Argentina, where there are significant German communities.

Variations of the surname Göring

The surname Göring is a German-speaking surname derived from the Middle High German words "Goerung", meaning "one who governs". Variants of this surname include Goring, Görine, Goering, Goerin, Goeringen, or Goringen.

In Scandinavia, the surname is sometimes known as Gørning and in the Netherlands it is known as Goerring. In the United States, the surname has been Americanized to Goring, Goringer, Goringloh, or Goering.

Variations in spelling of the Göring surname include Gohring, Goringer, Goringle, or Goringloh, as well as variations in the spelling of given first names such as Herman (now usually Hermann). These spellings were used by people who came to America from German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland.

Due to changes in gender for the same name, the surname may also be found as Göringin, Göringerin, or Goringerin.

In France, the Goeringen surname is found while the original German spelling has changed to Goering.

The surname Göring is also related to several other surnames, including Görn, Görnig, Göbling, and Göbels, all of which have the same origin.

Famous people with the name Göring

• Hermann Göring: A prominent Nazi leader of Germany during World War II, Hermann Göring was the founder of the infamous Gestapo, as well as Hitler’s designated successor. He was sentenced to death for war crimes but managed to commit suicide in prison just two hours before his execution was to take place.
• Albert Göring: The younger brother of Hermann, Albert Göring was a German industrialist who is known for his heroic efforts to save Jews from the Holocaust. A vocal opponent of the Nazi regime, Albert was arrested and tried by the Nuremberg Tribunal but was ultimately granted clemency.
• Heinrich Albert Göring: The youngest brother of Hermann and Albert, Heinrich was a German physicist and aviation pioneer. Considered an important figure in the development of modern aviation, Heinrich was arrested several times by the Nazis for his political activities but managed to survive the war.
• Carin Göring: Widowed in 1931, Carin married Hermann the following year. A highly influential individual in German politics, she was noted for her strong anti-Nazi views and was said to be the only one who could derail her husband's Nazi ambitions. She died in 1931.
• Edda Göring: The daughter of Hermann and Carin, Edda joined the Nazi Party in 1938 and later married the head of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Fegeler. She was later discovered to be a staunch opponent of the regime, although she remained active in the Nazi Party.

Other surnames

GorinGöringer