Surname Sailer - Meaning and Origin

Sailer: What does the surname Sailer mean?

The last name Sailer is of German origin. It is derived from the German word, “segel,” which means “sailor.” As such, it is in reference to those who make their living from sailing. Specifically, Sailer is used to describe a professional seaman, such as a captain, steersman, or shipwright.

Originally, the term would have been used to reference a range of seafaring occupations, but it has since become commonly used to describe captains. It could also refer to those who have strong ties to the sea, such as fishermen, whalers, or explorers.

In the past, Sailers were seen to be brave and adventurous, and they were highly respected for their skill and expertise when navigating the seas. It is a name that carries a traditional sense of maritime prowess, and the proud connotations associated with sailing across he open waters.

The Sailer surname can be found in Montserrat, England, and Germany today, but it's most common around the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and in areas of the former United Provinces. In modern times, there are many examples of those who have maintained this seafaring tradition, and many others who have proudly taken on the family name.

Sailer: Where does the name Sailer come from?

The last name Sailer is most commonly found in Germany today. According to MyHeritage DNA, Sailer is the most frequent last name in Germany, particularly in the states of Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavarian Swabia. It is also popular in Austria, Switzerland and the Unites States.

The origin of the Sailer name dates back to the 8th century when it was first recorded in the counties of Salzburg and Salzkammergut in Austria. The name is derived from the Old German word saeler, meaning salt seller. During the Middle Ages, salt was an important commodity and salt merchants held a good position in society.

The Sailers who remained in Germany lived mainly in rural areas and held occupations ranging from farming to trade. In the United States, many of the migrants who carried the Sailer name were of Swiss or German descent, settling in areas such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Today, the Sailer name remains a popular one not only in Germany but in other countries around the world, particularly those with German immigrants. While the name may have once been associated with trading salt, now people of the Sailer name can be found pursuing many different professions, from business to entertainment.

Variations of the surname Sailer

The surname Sailer is of German, English, and Czech origin and has several different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

In German, Sailer may be spelled as Sailer, Saylor, Sayler, Saylior, Sailors, Saeler, Soler, and Seyler. It is derived from the Old German word “sail” or “sahl” which means “to wander from place to place.”

In English, Sailer may also be spelled as Sayler, Saylor, Sailors, Saylock, Seiler, Saler, Cailar, Saliar, Salor, Seeler, and Saller. This surname is derived from the Middle English word “sailen”, which means “to move from place to place”.

In Czech, Sailer may also be spelled as Šajler or Šailer. It is derived from the Old Czech “šayler” or “šalar”, which has the same meaning as “to wander” or “move from place to place”.

Sailer is also found as a surname in other countries, such as Spain where it is spelled as Saíl.

Overall, the surname Sailer is an occupational surname which indicates an ancestor who moved from place to place. Its variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin can be found throughout Europe and in other countries as well.

Famous people with the name Sailer

• Jessie Diggins Sailer, American cross-country skier and Olympic gold medallist
• Sebastian Sailer, American decathlete who became a Paralympic gold medallist
• Heidemarie Stefanyshyn Sailer, American Naval officer and astronaut
• Milva Sailer, German jazz, pop and classical singer
• Amanda Sailer, American freestyle skier
• Peter Sailer, German biathlete
• Mike Sailer, American race car driver
• Dominic Sailer, German soccer player
• Manfred Sailer, Austrian artist and illustrator
• Sebastian Sailer, German contemporary artist
• John Dyar Sailer, American artist and world traveler
• Tracy Sailer, American racing driver
• Jeff Sailer, American golf course manager and coach
• Bob Sailer, American politician and member of the Wisconsin Assembly
• Reginald Joseph Sailer, Canadian Roman Catholic deacon
• Elmar Sailer, German media studies professor
• Peggy Sailer, American painter
• Louis M. Sailer, American aerospace engineer
• Justine Sailer, Canadian poet and author
• Jack Sailer, American football player

Other surnames

SaileSailes