Etting (surname)

Etting is a surname of multiple possible origins. It can be:

• German/Dutch Origin: A patronymic or matronymic surname derived from a short form of a personal name beginning with "Et-", such as "Ethelbert" or "Etta." Patronymic surnames were created from the given name of the father, while matronymic surnames were derived from the mother’s name. The suffix "-ing" can denote "belonging to" or "descendant of". Therefore, "Etting" could mean "belonging to/descendant of someone named Etto/Etta/Ethel".

• English Origin: Possibly a locational surname. If so, it is likely derived from a place name now lost or obscure, or a variant spelling of an existing place name where the "Ett-" element has a specific meaning (e.g., relating to a geographical feature or an Old English personal name associated with the place). It is also possible that "Etting" could derive from a now-obsolete term for a field or enclosure. Further research of early records would be needed to confirm a locational origin.

Distribution of the surname is relatively rare, and likely more common in regions with historical ties to German, Dutch, or English populations. Genealogists can often trace families with the Etting surname through birth, marriage, and death records to uncover more specific origins. Due to the varied potential origins, it's important to research individual family lines separately.