Surname Ringier - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Ringier: What does the surname Ringier mean?
The surname Ringier is of Swiss origin and it seems to not have a specific meaning in English or German, which is widely spoken in Switzerland. Like many surnames, it might have derived from an occupation, a geographic feature, or a personal characteristic; but the particular origin of Ringier is not clear. It is possible that its meaning might be more discernible or significant in a local Swiss dialect or a context that is not readily accessible in generic sources. The name is most commonly associated with the Swiss media company 'Ringier AG', which was founded by Johann Rudolf Ringier in 1833. Despite the uncertainty around its meaning, the name Ringier stands as an important lineage in Switzerland, particularly in the media industry.
Order DNA origin analysisRingier: Where does the name Ringier come from?
The last name Ringier is largely found in Switzerland, where it originated. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Ringier family were primarily farmers, who were particularly successful in the Bern canton.
Today, Ringier is an incredibly common last name, particularly in Switzerland's German-speaking regions such as Zurich and the Bern canton. According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, in 2017 there were nearly 3,000 people with the last name Ringier in Switzerland. The vast majority of Ringier family members are concentrated in the German-speaking regions, with more than 2,000 residents living in Zurich alone.
The last name Ringier can also be occasionally found in other parts of Europe, such as Germany, Poland and France, sister countries to Switzerland. It is also found elsewhere around the world, such as in the United States, Australia and Canada, due to the diaspora of Swiss emigrants who left the country during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Overall, Ringier is a widespread last name in Switzerland, particularly within its German-speaking regions. It also has a presence in other countries around the world due to Swisse diaspora.
Variations of the surname Ringier
The surname Ringier is a common Swiss surname that is spelled in many different variants and surnames that all originate from the same source. Some of the variations are Ringger, Rynger, Ryngier, Ringar, Ryngar, Ryngar, Ryngar, Rynger, Ringers and Ryngers. Depending on the geographical region, other variations may be used, such as Ringer, Renger, Rennger, Rungar, and Rungers.
The surname Ringier is derived from two German words: Ring, meaning ring or circle, and Ger, meaning spear. The original name is thought to have come from someone who would use a ring for protection in battles with their spear. This was originally a nickname or a description given to a fighter. Over time, this changed to become a surname.
In Germany, some of the variants of this surname were Ringg, Ringen, Ringell, Ringel, Ringer, and Ringes. In Austria, it was spelled Ringg, Ringger, Ringer, Ringe, and Ringel. In Switzerland, it was spelled Ringier and Rynger. In France, it was spelled Ringer and Ringard.
In some cases, the surname has evolved over the centuries to include additional elements. Today, there are spellings such as Ringerort, Ringenbach, Ringenberger, and Ringenstiehl.
Overall, the surname Ringier is still in common usage today. Even with the various spellings and surnames of the same origin, many families can trace their heritage back to the original Swiss usage of the surname.
Famous people with the name Ringier
- Thomas Ringier: Swiss businessman, Chairman and owner of Ringier AG, the world’s largest family-owned audiovisual content company.
- Thomas Ringier: Austrian publisher, CEO and executive board member of Ringier Axel Springer Media AG, the Swiss-Austrian media company.
- Patrick Ringier: Swiss businessman, CEO and executive board member of Ringier AG.
- John Ringier: Swiss businessman, CFO of Ringier AG.
- Chantal Ringier: Executive board member of Ringier AG.
- Marcel Ringier: Swiss radio presenter and actor.
- Michèle Ringier: Swiss environmental activist, co-founder of the Swiss Green Party.
- Mike Ringier: Swiss film producer, founder of Ringier Studios.
- Christian Ringier: Swiss entrepreneur, former CEO of Ringier AG.
- Joseph Ringier: Swiss-American entrepreneur, founder of Ringier America Inc.
- Alex Ringier: Swiss photographer, founder of Ringier Photography.
- Matthias Ringier: Swiss businessman, Board Member and Executive Board Member of Ringier AG, founder of Ringier Media Ventures and Tages Anzeiger.
- Celine Ringier: Swiss volunteer, founder of The Ringier Foundation.
- Lucien Ringier: Swiss businessman and publisher, founder of Editions Ringier.
- Pierre Ringier: Swiss businessman and publisher, former CEO of Editions Ringier.
- Stephen Ringier: Swiss publisher, CEO of Ringier India.