Show ContentsGing History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Ging

What does the name Ging mean?

The name Ging derives its origin from the Middle English word "gigge," which was a nickname for ‘a flighty, giddy girl.’ 1

Early Origins of the Ging family

The surname Ging was first found in Norfolk, England where William Gigan was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1198. This person may be related to Robert and William Gigan or Gigon, who were listed in Normandy in the same year according to the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae. 2 Thomas Geg was recorded in the Curia Regis Rolls for Norfolk in 1205. Early records in Huntingdonshire show Walter le Geg in 1221 and later William Gegge was listed in the Assize Rolls for Lancashire in 1263. Alice la Gegges was found at Colchester in 1310. 1

Hugo Gigge was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Suffolk in 1220 1 and later again, Walter le Gig was recorded in the Hundredorum Rolls for Norfolk c. 1272. 2

Early History of the Ging family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ging research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1263, 1455, 1487, 1500, 1508, 1530, 1570 and 1572 are included under the topic Early Ging History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ging Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Ging has been spelled many different ways, including Gedge, Gidge, Gigg, Gegg, Ginge, Genge and others.

Early Notables of the Ging family

Distinguished members of the family include Margaret Giggs (1508-1570), birth name of Margaret Clement or Clements, understood to be one of the most educated women of the Tudor era. Born in Norfolk, her father was a gentleman but enlisted the aid of Sir Thomas More, who brought her up from a child with his own daughters. In 1530, she...
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ging Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ging family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Gings to arrive in North America: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands. Many settled in Newfoundland..


Contemporary Notables of the name Ging (post 1700) +

  • Jack Lee Ging (1931-2022), American actor, best known for his role as General Harlan "Bull" Fulbright on NBC's television adventure series The A-Team


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)


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