Surname Bering - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bering: What does the surname Bering mean?
The last name Bering is derived from the Germanic language and is derived from the word “barant” which translates to “barley” or “grain”. It is also thought to have derived from the word “bering” which means “sheaf” or a bundle of grain. It is believed to have been an occupational name for farmers or millers, those who worked with grains or barley. Additionally, the word bering may have derived from a location in the Westfalen region of Germany, near the Teutoburg Forest.
The name Bering may also come from the Dutch and Flemish language, where the word “baring” or “bering” means “a pond” or “a small stream”, usually of a field or lower marshland. It is believed that this is where the surname could have been derived from, meaning someone who lived near or worked around waterways or ponds.
Today, the surname Bering is especially popular in Norway, where it is the 15th most common name. Bering is also a popular surname in Germany, Estonia, Denmark, and Sweden.
Order DNA origin analysisBering: Where does the name Bering come from?
The surname Bering is most common today in Northern Europe, particularly in Germany. It is also present in Scandinavia, as well as in areas of the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland. The surname has strong historical ties to the area, and has likely been present in some form for centuries.
The name Bering is likely derived from the German 'bären' meaning bear, and many believe that the surname dates back to a time when a bear was used as a personal sign or emblem. Historical records show 'Bering' as a name since at least the 1500s. Family names of Beringers, Berringer and Beringers are also common in the region.
The Bering name is likely to have spread to the United States and the UK with migrants, as many European settlers migrated to the United States, particularly during the 19th century. Today, the most common spelling in the United States is probably 'Beringer'.
The Bering name is still relatively common today, particularly in its country of origin, Germany, as well as Northern Europe more broadly.
Variations of the surname Bering
The surname Bering is an old Germanic family name which has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Behring, Beering, Behrmann, Bährin, Bairen, Bäring, Behrens, Behren, Bairing, Bäringer, Bährmann, Behrd, Behrenberg, Behrensmann, Beringer, Berringer, Beringhausen, Beringhause and Bairinger.
Behring is believed to originate from the Old High German ‘bern’, meaning ‘bear’. It was likely derived as a nickname for a brave or strong person, likely referring to physical strength and courage. It may also have originally been an occupational surname for someone who lived and worked near a bear population. Similarly, ‘Bering’ is derived from the same Old High German root word and is likely sourced from the same origin as Behring.
The variants of Bering originate from northern Germany, specifically in the area of the Harz Mountains and the city of Berlin. The spelling of ‘Beering’ appears only in Germany, while Beering appears to originate in Austria and southern Germany.
The surnames Bährin and Bäring likely originated from a derivation of the Middle High German word ‘beeren’, meaning ‘berry’. It was likely an occupational surname for someone who worked on a berry farm, or someone who lived near one. Meanwhile, Behrens and Behren is from a medieval Germanic word ‘bhara’ meaning ‘barley’, likely referring to an occupation such as a maltsterer or maltster.
The surname Bairing likely originated as a variant of Behring, however, the exact origin is uncertain. Bairinger likely also originated from Behring, or it may have been derived from ‘Baier(e)’ which was a medieval name for a person from the area of Bavaria.
The surnames Beringhausen and Beringhause likely originated from a Germanic word ‘bēren’ meaning ‘clearing’ in a forest, referring to someone who lived near or worked on a clearing in a forest.
Famous people with the name Bering
- Nellie Bering: an American celebrity socialite, known as being the daughter of the fashion mogul, Diane von Fürstenberg.
- Johan Bering: a Danish Baroque painter who was in the employ of King Christian V of Denmark.
- Peter Bering: a popular 18th-century Prussian composer, violinist and violist.
- Bart Bering: a prominent international DJ and producer specializing in the ‘UK underground’ sound.
- Henrik Bering: a Danish film director, producer and screenwriter.
- Helene Bering: a German singer, songwriter, actress and TV presenter.
- Birgitte Bering: a radio host and television presenter from Denmark.
- Friedrich Bering: a German-born Russian geographer, naturalist and explorer, credited with the discovery of the Bering Strait.
- Claus Bering: a bassist from Denmark, who has played several events as a session musician.
- Natalia Bering: a Mexican actress, best known for her roles in ‘Mercy’ and ‘Obsesión’.