The surname Zehrung is a unique and rare surname that has its origins in the United States. With an incidence of 421 in the US alone, the surname Zehrung is not one that is commonly found in many other countries. In fact, the incidence of Zehrung in Australia is only 2, and in New Zealand, it is just 1.
History of the Zehrung Surname
The history of the Zehrung surname is not well-documented, but it is believed to have German origins. The name Zehrung may have been derived from the German word "zehrung," which means "consumption" or "wastage." This could suggest that the Zehrung surname may have originally been a nickname for someone who was wasteful or consumed a lot. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where consumption or wastage was common, such as a landfill or garbage dump. Some sources suggest that the Zehrung surname may have also originated from the German word "zehren," which means "to consume" or "to feed." This could imply that the surname was given to someone who was a big eater or who had a large appetite.
Migration of the Zehrung Family
The earliest recorded instances of the Zehrung surname in the United States date back to the 19th century. Many families with the Zehrung surname can be traced back to Germany, indicating that the surname may have been brought to the US by German immigrants. As the Zehrung surname is not very common in other countries, it is likely that most Zehrungs outside of the US are descendants of American immigrants. The small incidences of Zehrung in Australia and New Zealand could be attributed to the migration of a few individuals or families from the US to these countries.
Notable Zehrung Individuals
Despite the rarity of the Zehrung surname, there have been a few notable individuals with this surname. One such individual is John Zehrung, a prominent businessman and philanthropist in the US. John Zehrung made his fortune in the steel industry and later established a foundation to support education and healthcare initiatives in his community. Another notable Zehrung individual is Sarah Zehrung, a renowned artist and sculptor. Sarah Zehrung's work has been exhibited in galleries around the world, and she is known for her unique and innovative approach to art.
Popularity of the Zehrung Surname
Given the rarity of the Zehrung surname, it is not surprising that the surname is not widely known or used outside of the US. The small incidences of Zehrung in Australia and New Zealand further highlight the limited popularity of this surname in other countries.
Conclusion
The Zehrung surname is a unique and rare surname that has its origins in the United States. With an incidence of 421 in the US, the Zehrung surname is not one that is commonly found in many other countries. Despite its limited popularity, there have been a few notable individuals with the Zehrung surname, adding to the legacy of this unique surname.