Surname Astfäller - Meaning and Origin
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Astfäller: What does the surname Astfäller mean?
The surname Astfäller is of German origin, and it is derived from the Old High German word "ast" meaning "ash tree". In some cases, it may have originated as an occupational name for people who worked with ash trees, such as foresters, woodcutters, or charcoal burners. It may also have been used to describe a family whose home was located near an ash tree.
In Sweden, the surname Astfäller is common in the region around Gotland and Öland. It is also associated with the islands of Värmdö and Jämtland. It is believed that bearers of the name came to these areas during the Middle Ages.
The original coat of arms for the Astfäller name depicts two silver ash trees on a red field. The shield is split along the length of the tree trunk and is topped with a gold crown. The two branches of the tree are meant to represent the family’s two branches, both of which are equally important.
The Astfäller motto is “Med allt och alla”, which translates to “with all things and with all people”. It likely refers to the fact that this family, like many others, had several branches that extended out of a single family tree. The motto is a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong family ties and inclusiveness.
Order DNA origin analysisAstfäller: Where does the name Astfäller come from?
The last name Astfäller is most often found today within German-speaking areas in Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. It's origin is thought to be stemming from the Middle High German word stafaro, which translates to stave or club. It is thought that the name may first have been used as a way to identify a specific group who may have used clubs within some type of profession, and it more than likely applied to more than one location or group over time.
In recent centuries, records throughout Germany show Astfäller being a very common last name. In Prussia, for example, it was the 8th most common name around 1790 while in the early 19th century there were more than 1100 Astfäller families, mainly residing in what is today the states of Saxony, Brandenburg, Silesia, and Thuringia. Records also show the name making it west to Switzerland, Netherlands, France, and even North America, where records have been found of Astfäller families settling in Alsace, Pennsylvania in the 18th century.
Today, records indicate that Astfäller still exists as a common name in Germany and areas surrounding Germany. One possible origin of this was the general population increase in Germany after 1945 when the country was rebuilt. It is likely that the name has been carried down through many generations and has kept this common surname alive today.
Variations of the surname Astfäller
The Astfäller surname is of German origin. The variants and spellings of the surname are Astfaeller, Astfeller, Astfelder, Astfielder, Astfellor, Astfeller, and Derastfeller. The Astfeller surname was also probably adapted into an English form in some cases, such as Astfellow.
The Astfäller surname is derived from the German word "ast," which means "bough" or "branch." Thus, the surname likely originally referred to someone who lived near or managed a forest, suggesting a connection to the profession of forestry. It is also possible that it is derived from the Old High German word "astfal," which means "fallen."
The Astfäller surname is found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Surnames similar to Astfäller include Astbacher, Asta, Astl, and Astner. These surnames have various country of origin but may have derived from the same root.
The Astfäller surname is usually found in its original spelling in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. However, in the United States it is usually found in its Americanized form such as Astfellow, Astfielder, Astfellor, or Astfeller. In the United Kingdom, the name is usually found in its original spelling, but it can also appear in variants such as Astfaeller, Astfeller, Astfelder, and Derastfeller.
Famous people with the name Astfäller
- Katrina Astfäller: Katrina is a well-known artist who works in both painting and sculpture, predominantly creating abstract art. Her artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.
- Elof Astfäller: Elof is a Swedish netball player who has played on various national teams, represented in international competitions, and was part of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
- Marius Astfäller: Marius is a professional alpine skier. He competed for Sweden at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
- Olof Astfäller: Olof is a Swedish politician who has held various positions in the national government, including serving as Minister for the Elderly and Disabled from 2014 to 2017, and chair of the Moderate Party from 2015 to 2017.
- Malin Astfäller: Malin is a professional interdisciplinary dancer who is known for her inventive and thought-provoking choreography. Her work has been featured in performances across Sweden and Europe.
- Erik Astfäller: Erik is a jazz musician who has performed across Europe, including at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival. He is a member of the jazz trio The Astfeller Brothers.
- Louise Astfäller: Louise is an athlete who has won several Swedish national championships in track and field and cross country skiing. She is currently training to compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.