Surname Schiessler - Meaning and Origin
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Schiessler: What does the surname Schiessler mean?
The last name Schiessler originated in Germany with many of its current bearers residing in the state of Bavaria. The name, which can be spelled Schiesser, Schiessl or Schaessler, is derived from Middle High German words "schies," meaning "to shoot," and "-er," which denotes "one who." Thus, the literal translation of the name Schiessler is "one who shoots" or "marksman."
The first Schiesslers are believed to have been hunters or archers by trade, wielding crossbows and longbows to provide food for their families. Later on, the name was also likely adopted by swordsmen providing their service to a knight or noble household during times of war. In more modern times, the surname has become more of a surname of convenience, particularly popular among immigrants coming from Catholic or Lutheran regions.
The coat of arms used by the Schiessler family is described as a black eagle displayed, with a red beak and claws, on a silver shield. This symbol has direct links to the family's shooting activities, and indeed, the Schiesslers were celebrated experts in archery and gunnery.
The presence of this family name has helped to shape the German culture, and it has now spread to many other parts of the world. Those lucky enough to be in possession of the Schiessler surname are proud to carry such a noble and historic family legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisSchiessler: Where does the name Schiessler come from?
The last name Schiessler is most commonly found in Germany. According to the German phonebook, as of 2021 the name Schiessler is the 6,915 most common family name in Germany. This name is especially prevalent in the southern part of the country and is also moderately common in some of the neighbouring countries such as Austria and Switzerland.
The name Schiessler is derived from the early German name “Sigahel” which was changed over time. The name is generally associated with the German word “Schiessen” which means “to shoot” and implies accuracy or precision as well as symbolic of the family’s aptitude for skilled craftsmanship.
Schiessler families have a centuries-old heritage and a unique cultural identity, with some lines stemming as far back as the 1600s. Family members belonging to the surname line often shared similar values, such as the importance of a hard work ethic and loyalty to a local community. Today, as in centuries past, people bearing the surname Schiessler form a close-knit network with ties that extend beyond Germany.
The Schiessler name is quite overshadowed by other more typical German surnames such as Schmidt, Mueller, and Meier, but the Schiesslers have a rich and loyal following amongst their family.
Variations of the surname Schiessler
Schiessler is a German surname. Variants of its spelling include Schleser, Schleser, Schlesser, Schlesse, Schleizer and Schleiser. It is also spelled Schilzger, Schyllger, Scheleser and Scheleser. Variants of Schiessler based on the phonetic spelling include Shleser, Schlesher, Schlesier, Shleiser and Skleiser.
Within Germany, the Schleser and Schlesse variants are more common, while Schleizger and Schleiser are the most common in the United States. The use of the -er ending in Germany is particularly common in the Rheinland area.
Surnames of the same origin can include Schlösser, Scheffler, Schäffer, Schenk, Schepp, Schöller, Schowalter, Schronk, Schroth and Schuchardt. These are all derived from the German word "schlosser," meaning "lock maker” or “locksmith.” Other similar-sounding surnames in Germany include Schüßler, Schlegel and Schäbler.
In the United States, some of the variants of Schiessler have been altered even further, leading to unique surnames like Shiles, Shillis, Shilo, Shyles, Szilies, Szillis, Schilsky, Schults, Shelly and Shelzie. Of these, Schuls and Shelly appear to be the most common.
Overall, it is clear that there are many variations and spellings of Schiessler, as well as other surnames derived from the same origin. All of these hold a fascinating history and are a reminder of the link between the past and present.
Famous people with the name Schiessler
- Nadine Schiessler — German journalist and television presenter
- Anja Schiessler — American singer, actress and songwriter
- Mary Schiessler — US campaigner, prominent advocate of LGBT rights
- Kay Schiessler — German LGBT activist
- Torsten Schiessler — German football player
- Timo Schiessler — German businessman and financial expert
- Kai Schiessler — German psychologist and scientist
- Johannes Schiessler — German organist and composer
- Stephan Schiessler — German physicist and inventor
- Piet Schiessler — Dutch lawyer and human rights activist