The Geiger Family History

What Does the Geiger Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Geiger has its roots in both German and French heritage, deriving from the ancient German word 'gigaere', which denotes an individual skilled in playing the violin or fiddle. This name can be found in various forms, including Geige, Geigher, Geyhger, and Gieger. Notably, the Geiger family, specifically Hans Jergen Geiger, immigrated to Pennsylvania in the year 1727, becoming among the early settlers of America. Prominent individuals bearing this surname include Matt Geiger, a professional basketball player; Ludwig Geiger, a distinguished German literary historian; Harold Geiger, recognized as a pioneer in Army aviation and ballooning; Hans Geiger, the inventor of the Geiger counter; Nickolas Geiger, a 19th-century German sculptor and painter; and Emily Geiger, celebrated as a legendary heroine of the American Revolutionary War.