Anger Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

Etymology of the Anger Name

From Old French 'angers' (a city in France) or from Old Norse 'angr' (grief, sorrow), or a descriptive name for an irascible person

The Anger Family Through History

The Anger name reflects the deep historical connections between France and Britain. French-origin surnames entered Britain through multiple waves of migration, from the Norman Conquest to the Huguenot refugees of the 17th century, each enriching the tapestry of British society.

Historical records trace the Anger surname to c. 1200, with the name associated with Anjou, France. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Anger family name appears in the records of the British gentry and peerage, with connections including A French surname associated with the Anjou region, with minor aristocratic records in the archives of Maine-et-Loire. While not every branch of a family held titles, the connection to the peerage system demonstrates the family's place within the broader social fabric of British history. Many families moved between the gentry and the titled aristocracy over the centuries, with fortunes rising and falling according to political allegiance, marriage alliances, and economic circumstances.

The Anger name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Anger legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Anger arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Noble Connections

This surname has connections to the gentry and titled families throughout history.

• A French surname associated with the Anjou region, with minor aristocratic records in the archives of Maine-et-Loire

The Anger name features in records of the British peerage system, connecting this lineage to the aristocratic traditions that helped define British governance and society. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Distinguished Bearers of the Anger Name

Explore England Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Anger family's French/German/Scandinavian heritage.