Surname Scheitterlein - Meaning and Origin
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Scheitterlein: What does the surname Scheitterlein mean?
The last name Scheitterlein is thought to have its origins in the German Alemannic language, which is a dialect spoken in parts of German-speaking Switzerland, Germany and parts of Alsace in eastern France. The name 'Scheitterlein' translates to 'small shield' in English.
The 'schild' portion of the name is believed to refer to a knight's shield, while the 'lein' portion of the name was likely added to signify 'small' or 'little'. The 'Scheit' portion of the name is said to have been derived from the High-German term 'scheit', which means ‘defense’ or ‘shield’.
It's believed that the surname originated in Bavaria, a region in Germany that reflects a distinct culture and language that has been present for centuries. In combination, the name Scheitterlein literally means a ‘little shield of defense’ in German. This may be an indication that the family once had a military association in the past.
The family name has become a popular one in various parts of the world today due to the fact that it is a relatively common surname in Germany and other parts of Europe. It is also often found among people of Germanic descent living in North America, Australia, and other parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisScheitterlein: Where does the name Scheitterlein come from?
The surname Scheitterlein is one of the many German surnames that has spread throughout the world. It is primarily found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. The earliest immigrant of this name to America is believed to be Johann Scheitterlein, who settled in Philadelphia in 1741.
In Europe, the surname is particularly common in Germany and Austria, especially in the region of Bavaria. However, it can also be found in many other countries, such as Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The highest concentration of Scheitterlein families can be found in Hungary, however it is estimated that the surname is common among 40 countries across the world.
In the United States specifically, the surname is found mainly in states with large German American populations, such as Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin and California. It is also fairly common in New York and New Jersey.
Among individuals, the surname Scheitterlein is one of the most commonly-used German-American surnames. It is estimated that there are over 12,000 living people bearing this surname, although this number is likely much higher due to its wide spread.
Variations of the surname Scheitterlein
Scheitterlein is a surname of German origin. It is derived from Scheit, meaning "piece" or "split," and lein, meaning "little." The most common variants of this surname are Scheetle, Scheittler, Scheitle, Shettle, and Scheitl.
In some cases, the added "-er" in the surname's spelling indicates a regional origin. For example, Scheitterlein is more commonly used in Franconia and western Germany, whereas Scheitler is more commonly found in Bavaria and Austria.
The surname Scheitterlein can also be found in the form of Scheidler, Shively, Sheeder, and Schittler. These variants are all derived from the same root word - Scheit. It is possible that Scheidler is an anglicized form of the original surname, while Shively could be a variation that is derived from the English word "shive" meaning "slice" or "piece." Similarly, Schittler and Sheeder likely stem from the German verb schidden, which means "to divide."
Other surnames that are derived from the same root word include Schoettle, Schietinger, and Schoedtner. Schoettle is a variation of Schettle, while Schoedtner is a combination of Scheit and dner, a common German suffix. Finally, Schietinger is derived from the Scheitle and inger, another common German suffix.
Famous people with the name Scheitterlein
- Peter Scheitterlein: German physicist, noted for his studies of electrical conduction in metals, particularly elements of the rare earth series.
- Charles Scheitterlein: American politician, former running mate of Richard Nixon during the 1968 presidential election.
- Wilhelm Scheitterlein: German physicist and chemist who is credited for providing a complete description of the artificial photosynthesis that became known as the “Scheitterlein Process.”
- Lenore Scheitterlein: Activist, one of the co-founders of the Women’s Strike for Peace movement
- John Scheitterlein: Jazz saxophonist, also known as “Mr. Smooth” for his skillful playing and improvisations.
- Karl Scheitterlein: Austrian sculptor and painter who is known for his marionette carvings.
- Teddy Scheitterlein: American aviator, flew during the Allied intervention in World War I.
- Enrique Scheitterlein: Argentinian Nobel prize-winning scientist, researching the molecular basis of changes in the structure of genetic material.
- Karl Scheitterlein: German theologian, influential in religious disputes in East Germany during the Cold War.
- Daphne Scheitterlein: English novelist, best known for her book The Bride Fair.