How common is the Herring surname?

There are approximately 45,000 people with the surname Herring in the United States.

Are there Herring soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,290 soldiers with the Herring surname appear in Civil War records.

Herring

Q: What does the surname Herring mean?

The surname Herring means "One who catches, sells, or is associated with herrings, or a descendant of Heri.". It is of English, German origin.

Occupational

Meaning

One who catches, sells, or is associated with herrings, or a descendant of Heri.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English and Middle High German 'herring' (the fish), indicating an occupational surname for fishermen or fish merchants. Alternatively, it may derive from the Germanic personal name Heri with the suffix -ing.

About the Herring Surname

Herring is an occupational surname reflecting the importance of herring fishing and trade in medieval Northern Europe. The name is particularly common in regions with significant maritime traditions.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 45,000 bearers in the United States #549 most common surname

Rare Common

Common in England and Germany, with secondary presence in Scandinavia and North America.

Herring Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Herring Surname

Clyde Herring

Senator, Democrat of Michigan, Chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee

Quick Facts

Origin: English, German
Classification: Occupational
Earliest Record: 13th century
Estimated Bearers: 45,000

War Records

1,290 soldiers with the Herring surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →