INGO

Ingo is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It derives from the Old Norse name Ing or from the Proto-Germanic element Ingwaz, a theonym linked to the god Ing (often associated with fertility and kingship in early Germanic myth). The name is typically understood to mean “descendant of Ing” or “relation to Ing.” Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries it found use in German-speaking regions and in parts of Scandinavia and the Netherlands, where naming traditions favored older Germanic elements. In modern times, Ingo remains a recognized but not highly common given name in these areas. Related feminine forms include Inga; related names in the same linguistic family include Ingvar and other Ing- compounds.

Notable people: The most prominent figure bearing the name is Ingo Maurer (1932–2019), an Austrian-born German industrial designer renowned for his innovative lighting designs and products that fuse art and engineering. Beyond Maurer, the name Ingo has been borne by various individuals in fields such as academics, sports, and the arts, primarily in German-speaking contexts.

In culture and usage: Ingo has appeared in literature and media as a masculine given name in German-speaking regions and beyond, reflecting its cultural and linguistic roots. While not common worldwide, it persists in naming traditions that draw on historic Germanic elements.

See also: Inga, Ingvar, Ingwald.