Zenger

Zenger is a surname of German origin. It is believed to derive from the Middle High German word "senger," meaning "singer" or "minstrel." The name was likely an occupational surname, given to individuals who were professional singers or musicians.

Historically, the Zenger surname has been associated with various regions in Germany, particularly those with a strong tradition of folk music and minstrelsy. Over centuries, families bearing the name emigrated from German-speaking lands to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

One of the most notable historical figures with the surname was John Peter Zenger. Born in Germany in 1697, Zenger immigrated to the North American colonies and became a printer and journalist in New York City. He is famously remembered for the Zenger libel trial of 1735, where he was accused of printing seditious libel against the governor of New York. Zenger's defense, arguing that truth should be a defense against libel, was a landmark victory for freedom of the press in colonial America. The outcome of his trial is considered a crucial step in the development of free speech principles.

Today, the Zenger surname continues to be found among people of German descent worldwide, carrying the legacy of its musical origins and the enduring impact of John Peter Zenger's fight for journalistic integrity.