Surname Handwerger - Meaning and Origin
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Handwerger: What does the surname Handwerger mean?
Handwerger is a German-Jewish surnamethat originated in the early 19th century. The German word “Werger” in the name likely means “digy,” and the “Hand” portion of the name likely refers to a craftsman or artisan. The combination of the two words suggests that the origin of the name refers to a craftsperson’s hands.
Handwerger is a fairly common surname today among Jews from Europe, especially those from Poland, Germany, Lithuania, Hungary, and Romania. It is also known to be spellied Hendwerger, Handverger, and Handwerg.
The Handwerger family may have descended from Memel, a German city that was part of East Prussia until 1945. The city was a center of Jewish life in the late 19th century and many Jews followed its citizens into exile during and after World War II. The Handwerger surname may have been adopted during a period when Jews were expanding beyond the original ghetto surroundings.
Though the history of the Handwerger family may have been lost, their name is a reminder of their lives and their memorable struggles. The name stands today as a testament to the strength of the Jewish people – not only from the perspective of a craftperson, but of a people who have been able to maintain their faith, culture and identity in the face of numerous obstacles.
Order DNA origin analysisHandwerger: Where does the name Handwerger come from?
The last name Handwerger is German in origin, derived from the Middle High German handwerc, meaning ‘craftsmanship’ or ‘artisan’. Today, Handwerger can still be found in Germany and in other countries with large German populations. In Europe, areas with high concentrations of Handwergers include Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark. Outside Europe, the United States is home to the largest population of Handwergers, though this surname is also found in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Israel, and Australia. Overall, Handwerger is relatively uncommon: according to Ancestry.com, fewer than 10,000 people in the United States and Canada combined bear this name. Interestingly, the concentration of Handwergers in the United States places them in several characteristic regional clusters. In the northeast and Midwest, the name is especially popular in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. In the southern US, Handwergers are concentrated in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. Finally, in the American West, the name is especially frequent in California, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington.
Variations of the surname Handwerger
The surname Handwerger, meaning "craftsman," has several variants, spellings, and names of the same origin. Variations of the name include Handwurger, Handwurger, Handmager, Handmager, Handwoger, Handvoger, and Handvogrer.
The German spelling of the name is Handwerger, but in Switzerland, a variation of the spelling with an 's' at the end, Handwergers, is also found. Additionally, Handwerger can be found spelled with a 'w', Handmager, in areas of Austria and Bavaria.
Variations of the surname can also be found in other German regions, such as Handwurger in the Rheinland, and Handvoger and Handvogrer in the Prussian areas. Additionally, in Yiddish, the name Handwoger is found in many records of those in the Jewish population in Poland and Germany.
Translating to "craftsman" in English, the surname Handwerger is thought to be a status name that originated during the Middle Ages. During this period, craftsmen working in certain trades such as joiners, tailors and masons, would adopt the name as an occupational name; it became a family name when it was passed down through generations.
Along with its variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, Handwerger has spread throughout Europe, and is still used today. It is estimated that there are currently around 5,000 people who bear this surname, with populations in the United States, United Kingdom, and parts of Europe such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
Famous people with the name Handwerger
- Sam Handwerger: Sam Handwerger is an American voice actor, most famous for voicing characters in the popular animated television series Rick and Morty.
- Bernie Handwerger: Bernie Handwerger is an Israeli-American actor who is known for roles in films such as Everest, The Day After Tomorrow, and The American President.
- Avery Handwerger: Avery Handwerger is an award-winning composer, producer, and engineer in contemporary music including rock, jazz, and classical genres.
- Daniel Handwerger: Daniel Handwerger is a surgeon and the Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
- Michal Handwerger: Michal Handwerger is a contemporary Israeli artist whose works blend both active and passive weaving techniques used in traditional Jewish folklore.
- Eric Handwerger: Eric Handwerger is an award-winning New York-based photographer known for his portraiture and graphic design.
- Amy Handwerger: Amy Handwerger is a New York-based illustrator whose works reference pop culture, Jewish folklore, and traditional art styles found in Eastern European countries.
- Michael Handwerger: Michael Handwerger is an American theatre director and a Professor of Acting and Directing at Boston University.
- Miriam Handwerger: Miriam Handwerger is a former alpine skier who represented Canada in the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics.
- Max Handwerger: Max Handwerger is an award-winning film and television cinematographer whose works have been featured in series such as The Path, Deadliest Catch, and Criminal Minds.