Surname Koerstein - Meaning and Origin

Koerstein: What does the surname Koerstein mean?

The last name Koerstein is of German-Jewish origin, and is derived from the word “Korenstein” meaning "a little rocky hill". It is most likely an affectionate way of referring to someone's home.

With its roots in Germany, the Koerstein surname could be found in Germany as early as the 16th century. It is believed to have originated from a village of the same name located near the city of Zagan in what is now Poland. It is likely that over time the “K” in front of the original surname was dropped, leading to its modern spelling.

Historically, the Koerstein surname has been linked to a prosperous family of merchants and landowners. Records indicate that some members of this family owned landholdings which were inherited from their ancestors. This could indicate a history of relative economic success within the family, and the possibility of higher social standing within their community.

Today, the name Koerstein is found in several countries, such as France, Canada, United States, and Israel. The number of people with this surname is estimated to be in the thousands. Those who continue to bear this surname are usually of a Jewish or German heritage, and come from a family that places a high value on traditional customs and values.

Koerstein: Where does the name Koerstein come from?

The last name Koerstein is most commonly found in Germany today, although there are also people who bear the name in Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and other German-speaking countries. The name is derived from the Old Germanic word for “one from the town of Koerstein”, and it has been in use since at least the 13th century.

An early record of the name dates back to 1299, when Ulrich von Koerstein was listed as the lord of a castle in the region of Schwaben. After World War II, the name Koerstein tended to become more widely spread around Germany and Europe thus it is seen more frequently in more recent population records.

Today, the name is still mainly concentrated in Germany, especially in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Hesse. In addition, records show that Koersteins have settled in neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Belgium. It is thought that, prior to World War II, some of the Koersteins migrated to the United States, although exact figures are difficult to come by.

Overall, the name Koerstein is still largely concentrated in German-speaking countries, but the name is slowly becoming more common in other countries due to increasingly widespread immigration.

Variations of the surname Koerstein

The surname Koerstein is derived from an Old German name that is composed of two words: "Korn" meaning grain, and "Stein" meaning stone. The variant spellings and surnames of this are Kornstein, Kornstine, Kornstin, Kornstine, Kornsteen, Kornstain, Kornsteine, Kornston, Cornstein, Cornstin, Cornston, Corstein, Corson and Corston. It is also seen spelled as Kirbstein, Kerstein, Koerstein, Körstein, Kierser, Kyerser, Kessen, Kustin, Küstin, Kistin, Kistern, Kisten, Kesten, and Korstain.

The surname was first found in several regions throughout Germany. The earliest known bearer of the name was Reinhart Kornstein, who lived in Baden-Wurttemberg in 1317. It was also found in Bavaria, where it may have developed into the surnames Koristin, Korstine, and Kornstien.

The name was common in France, where it was spelled Kyerstein, Kierestin, Kersten, Kstin, and Kurstein. It was also found in the Netherlands, where it was spelled Kyerdstein, Kyerstein, Kyersten, Kerstin, and Kéersten.

The name has spread to other countries, including the United States, Canada, and even Denmark. Koerstein has also been found in various spellings ranging from corestein to kurstin in countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland as well.

Some of the many variants of the name have gone on to form new surnames, such as Kysten, Kystin, and Kystine in Denmark, and Kostin in Russia. In England, variants such as Kurnstein, Curnstein, Curnstine, Kornstone, and Kornstine have also been found.

Famous people with the name Koerstein

• Maximilian Koerstein: Austrian bass-baritone singer.
• Joseph Koerstein: Former member of the US House of Representatives from New York.
• David Koerstein: San Francisco-based multi-discipline artist.
• Anton Koerstein: Austrian-born neurologist and psychiatrist.
• Isabel Koerstein: American actress and social media influencer.
• Mike Koerstein: Creative Director and artist based in New York City.
• Robert Koerstein: German-American sculptor known for his work with animal figures.
• Paul Koerstein: Austrian actor, director, and producer.
• Mark Koerstein: German entrepreneur and investor.
• Anna Koerstein: American-born artist, designer, and philanthropist.

Other surnames

Koersten