Surname Oesterlein - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Oesterlein: What does the surname Oesterlein mean?
The last name Oesterlein (or Österlein in German) is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German words ostar (east) and lein (little). This surname was originally used to denote a person who came from Eastern lands. Alternately, the name may have originated in the Middle Ages as a nickname for a person who had distinctive Eastern physical features such as slanted eyes or an Eastern complexion.
Over the centuries, the name has been found primarily in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in the present-day states of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, the name is most common in the south and southwest states. The earliest known mentions of the name in these areas are in the 12th Century during the reign of the Holy Roman Empire.
In modern-day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland the last name Oesterlein is still commonly found, indicating the surname has been passed down through multiple generations. In addition, the advent of modern technology has enabled family lines to be traced, and those with this name can often find their ancestors in the records.
Today, “Oesterlein” is a proud and vibrant family name that has been passed down through many generations. As the population of Europe continues to diversify, many new immigrants from the East have adopted this name to honor their heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisOesterlein: Where does the name Oesterlein come from?
The last name Oesterlein is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. According to records, the last name is derived from the German-language words "Osthalle" which means "east hall". This indicates that those bearing this name were likely living in eastern parts of Germany, likely near the Austria border.
In the United States, the Oesterlein last name can be found scattered across the country, with the highest concentration of individuals located in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. According to the US Census Bureau in 2015, the last name was recorded as having 171 individuals living within the United States.
In Germany and Austria, the surname Oesterlein is fairly common, with records indicating that over 200,000 individuals living in Germany and over 35,000 living in Austria have the last name. In Austria, the name is most commonly recorded in the states of Lower Austria, Salzburg, and Upper Austria. In Germany, the most common regions where records indicate the population of Oesterlein individuals are Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Saxony.
Overall, the last name Oesterlein is most common in Germany and Austria, but can still be found scattered across the United States as well.
Variations of the surname Oesterlein
The variants and spellings of the surname Oesterlein include Oestrlein, Oesterlein, Osterelein, Osterein, Ostelein, Osterlin, Österlein and Oesterlyn.
Oesterlein is a German surname, and is derived from the Middle High German word “Esterlein”. The suffix -lein indicates a dimunitive form of the word Ester, derived from Easter. This means that this name would have been given to those born or christened in the Easter season.
Variations of the name from other languages include Austerlitz (in German), Oesterly (in English), Oostelijn or Oostelink (in Dutch), Ostrellan (in Spanish), Oesterlyng (in Danish), and Osterlind (in Swedish). The surname can also sometimes be found with spelling variations such as Oisterly, Ossterlin, Osteerly, and Eugsterly.
A surname of this type generally sees more variations than other surnames because it was created from a lifestyle rather than an occupation, which made it more difficult to standardize its spelling.
There are a number of variations of the Oesterlein surname that are believed to be derived from this type of origin. These can include Osterlander, Osterissen, Osterize, Osterley, Oesterholz, Osterheim, and Oesterhues. All of these surnames fall into the common practice of altering the spelling in order to more closely resemble the spoken language.
These variants of the Oesterlein surname are widespread throughout Europe, with people bearing this name found in Germany, England, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Spain.
Famous people with the name Oesterlein
- Robert Oesterlein: Robert Oesterlein is an American professional golfer who has won two PGA Tour events and currently plays on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Latinoamérica.
- Robert Oesterlein, Jr.: Robert Oesterlein, Jr. is an American professional golfer who currently plays on the PGA Tour and has won three PGA Tour events.
- Jurgen Oesterlein: Jurgen Oesterlein was a German football player who spent his career playing for Hertha BSC and the German national team. He earned 44 caps for the national squad and participated in the 1934 and 1938 World Cups.
- Flash Oesterlein: Flash Oesterlein is an American professional wrestler, best known for his time in the National Wrestling Alliance. He also wrestled for regional promotions such as East Coast and Big Time Wrestling.
- Johann Oesterlein: Johann Oesterlein was a German composer and music educator who worked in Berlin in the 18th century. He is best known for his works “Festmusik” and “Concerts”.
- Louis Oesterlein: Louis Oesterlein was a German painter who was active in the mid-nineteenth century. He is remembered for his portraits, which often depicted contemporary events.
- Carl Oesterlein: Carl Oesterlein was a German academic and portrait painter who worked in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. He is best known for his work “Die Austernhändlerin”.
- Susanne Oesterlein: Susanne Oesterlein is a German swimmer who competed in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics. She currently holds a national record in the 200-meter individual medley.