Jager

Jager is a Dutch and German surname, being a variant of Jäger. The root name Jäger means "hunter" in German, deriving from Old High German jagon meaning "to hunt". The spelling Jager without umlaut is common in Dutch and among English speakers, as well as in areas where the umlaut was omitted in writing.

The surname is occupational in origin, referring to a hunter or gamekeeper. In Germany, the term Jäger also historically denoted a rifle-armed infantryman (light infantry), but the surname primarily connected to the hunting profession. Families bearing the name can be found across German-speaking regions and the Netherlands, as well as among emigrants to North America.

Notable Bearers

• Evan Jager (born 1989), American long-distance runner and Olympic silver medalist in steeplechase.
• Tom Jager (born 1964), American freestyle swimmer, five-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder in the 50m freestyle.
• Maja Jager (born 1991), Danish archer, European champion.
• Eric Jager (born 1957), American medievalist and literary critic, author of The Last Duel.
• Robert E. Jager (born 1939), American composer of band and wind ensemble music.
• Sheila Miyoshi Jager (born 1963), American anthropologist specializing in East Asia.
• Durk Jager (1943–2022), Dutch businessman and former CEO of Procter & Gamble.
• Finne Jager (born 1984), Dutch trance music producer and DJ.
• Marike Jager (born 1979), Dutch singer-songwriter and TV presenter.
• Henry Jager (1879–1952), American politician, New York Assembly member.
• Matt Jager (born 1988), Australian professional golfer.

See Also

• Jäger – German surname and term for riflemen.
• Jaeger – common English variant spelling.
• Jägermeister – herbal liqueur, the name meaning "master hunter".

• Meaning: "Hunter" (occupational)
• Origin: Dutch and German (variant of Jäger)
• Type: Surname
• Usage regions: Netherlands, Germany, United States (notable immigrants)