Surname Nissl - Meaning and Origin
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Nissl: What does the surname Nissl mean?
The last name Nissl is a German surname, derived from a place name. It is believed to be derived from either the town of Nissl in the state of Bavaria, or from the name of a stream that flows near that area. The earliest known recorded use of the name dates back to 1631, when a parish record dating in the town of Nissl references a man by the name of Eustachius Nissl.
The name could have derived from other sources as well though. In some cases, the name could have originated from someone coming from a larger geographic area, like Nassau or the former German principalities of Nassau-Weilburg or Nassau-Usingen. It could also be derived from the German word Nessel, which means “nettle”, indicating someone who lived near a patch of nettles.
The surname Nissl has also made its way to the United States, with the earliest recorded instance being in 1750, noted in a register of a German church in Pennsylvania. A variety of spellings of the name have also developed over the years, such as Nisl, Nizal, and Niesl.
In summary, the surname Nissl has origins in Germany and is derived from either a place name in Bavaria or from a stream near that area. Alternate or mutated spellings of the name have appeared over time, and the surname can also be found in the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisNissl: Where does the name Nissl come from?
The last name Nissl is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. The origin of the surname is believed to come from the German/Austrian word "Nessel", which is most likely derived from the Latin word "nemus" meaning "forest". The name is thought to have been derived from a geographic feature adjacent to the family's place of origin.
It is believed that the earliest documented instances of the name can be traced back to the medieval kingdom of Bavaria in southern Germany, where in the 1200s a knight named Heinrich Nissel (or Nessel) was listed serving in the Bavarian army. Since then, the name has spread throughout the region.
Today, Nissl is a relatively common surname in Germany, particularly in the central and southern sections of the country, and is also popular in Austria, much of Switzerland, and even small pockets of the Czech Republic and Italy.
In terms of population, Nissl is estimated to be the 6th most common surname in Germany, representing over 31,000 individuals, and the 12th most common in Austria, home to about 26,000 individuals with the name.
Variations of the surname Nissl
Nissl is a surname of German origin from the Middle High German word “nissel”, meaning “little snake”. This name, along with its variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, is found mainly in German-speaking countries – such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland – and other parts of Europe.
In its simplest form, Nissl is spelled the same in Germany and Austria, while in Switzerland it is spelled “Nissli”. Variants of this name are Nissel, Nisseler, Nissell and Nissle, while spellings are Nissel, Nisseler, Nisselle, Nissle, Nyssel, Nyssle and Nysseler.
Surnames of the same origin include Nessel, Nesseler, Nesselle, Nesselrod, Nesel, Nesler, and Nesell. Though less common, it has also been spelled Nizel, Nizell, Nizelle and Nizler.
Nissl is likely derived from the knightly Germanic house of the same name, which was first mentioned in 1198 in Bavaria. Today, many Nissl family members have spread throughout the world, resulting in a diverse range of cultural and geographic background among individuals.
The surname is a reminder of how small, everyday things, such as everyday words, can evolve over time and take on additional meanings and spellings. Regardless of its variant, spelling or surnames of the same origin, Nissl is an important reminder of both German and European heritage.
Famous people with the name Nissl
- Max Nissl: Max Nissl was a famous Austrian neurologist and professor, known for his contributions to the field of neuropathology.
- Hermann Nissl: Hermann Nissl was an Austrian neurologist best known for his research on nerve fibers and the development of the Nissl stain.
- Robert Nissl: Robert Nissl was an Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist. He was primarily known for his pioneering work on the neuropathology of mental illness.
- Oskar Nissl: Oskar Nissl was an Austrian pathologist, known for his work on the pathology of cerebral metabolism and propagation of nerve impulse.
- Julie Nissl: Julie Nissl was an Austrian actor, most noted for her roles in Displaced Persons and The Haunted Mirror.
- Johann Nissl: Johann Nissl was a noted Austrian Jewish materials scientist who developed a method for forming laminated materials from wood and other natural materials.
- Bernard Nissl: Bernard Nissl was a noted Austrian painter and graphic artist. He was best known for his impressionist landscapes and cityscapes.
- Mackie Nissl: Mackie Nissl was an Austrian singer and comedian, who was famous for his comedic performances on the variety show circuit.
- Maximilian Nissl: Maximilian Nissl was an Austrian playwright and theater director, best known for his adaptations of classical plays.
- Charlotte Nissl: Charlotte Nissl was an Austrian actress best remembered for her performances in postwar dramas.