Gingrich
A surname of Germanic origin, likely from a place-name or older German family-name element, best known in the United States through Pennsylvania German communities.
The #9,262 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 87,837 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Gingrich is a Germanic surname, most likely from an older German personal name or place-name rather than a straightforward occupational label. The second element -rich is common in German names and usually goes back to Old High German rih a0, meaning 'powerful,' 'mighty,' or 'ruler.' The first element is less certain; it may reflect an older name element or a reduced form that has been reshaped in local dialects and immigration spelling.
History
The surname is especially associated with German-speaking immigrants in North America, where it became established among Pennsylvania German families. In the United States it is often found in regions with strong German heritage, and the spelling appears to have stabilized there in forms such as Gingrich. Because the name’s deeper origin is not fully transparent, genealogical records often need to be checked alongside local variants.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The name is uncommon enough that many Americans know it chiefly from the prominent political family of Newt Gingrich.