Surname Schitterer - Meaning and Origin
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Schitterer: What does the surname Schitterer mean?
The last name Schitterer is of German-Austrian origin and is thought to be derived from the Middle High German word ‘schitteren’, meaning to glitter, sparkle or shine. The name is thought to have first been used to denote someone to whom that description was most applicable.
The name may have been given to a family in recognition of their excellence in a particular craft or skill. Alternatively, it may have been a nickname, which originated from a person's blond hair or unusual bright colouring. This would have been especially appropriate in places where there were few people with such distinguishing features.
In more modern times, the Schitterer name has become associated with people who have achieved excellence in the fields of culture, enterprise, entrepreneurship, and literature. In Europe, the name can often be found among successful and influential families who have been in prominent public and government positions.
The outwardly visible recognition of the family’s past skilled achievements, as well as their ongoing success, explain why Schitterer is still used today. By keeping the family name alive, its impressive past is proudly remembered.
Order DNA origin analysisSchitterer: Where does the name Schitterer come from?
The last name Schitterer is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. In Germany it is particularly prevalent in the southern and western states, including Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria, while in Austria it is most commonly found in the western region.
Research indicates that the Schitterer surname originated in a region of Germany south of Frankfurt by the Rhine River, and began to spread further eastwards and southwards as people moved in search of opportunity. As a result, the name is now found in a wide range of German-speaking countries, including many other areas in Europe and even the United States.
The Schitterer surname is said to originate from a root word meaning “rabbit” in Old High German, and records indicate that early Schitterer’s were often rabbit trappers. Many of those who later adopted the surname chose to do so in honour of their profession, although there are some cases in which it was used as an occupational nickname.
Today, the Schitterer surname is not particularly common in the United States, although it is still found throughout Europe. There are estimated to be around 15,000 people with the name spread throughout Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria.
Variations of the surname Schitterer
The surname Schitterer is one of many variants, spellings, and surnames derived from the same origin. The name is thought to derive from the German “schut-te,” meaning a shield-bearer or defender. Other variants and spellings of the name include Schitter, Schotterer, Schidterer, Schutterer, Schiederer, Schueterer, Schaderer, and Shuterer.
The most common variants of Schitterer are Schitter and Schotterer. The Schitter form is most commonly encountered in Austria and Germany. The Schotterer variation is most often seen in Bavaria, Germany, and Switzerland.
The surname Schitterer is also one of a number of variants of the ancient German name Schuetz. This name is thought to come from the Germanic word “schut,” meaning “protection.” Other related surnames include Schutz, Schutte, Schutzman, Schuyler, Schueffer, Schuebel, Shoop, and Schuester.
In America, the Schitterer name is often found variants such as Shitter and Schutter. The Shitter form is from a corrupted form of the name in the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect. The Schutter form is generally found in Wisconsin and Illinois.
In addition, the Schitterer surname is also found in its original form, Schitter, in France, as well as in Hungary as Schiederer and in Poland as Schutterer.
In summary, the surname Schitterer has many variants, spellings, and related surnames from the same origin. Most of these forms can be found in Europe and the United States. Variations of the name include Schitter, Schotterer, Schidterer, Schutterer, Schiederer, Schueterer, Schaderer, Shuterer, Shitter, Schutz, Schutte, Schutzman, Schuyler, Schueffer, Schuebel, Shoop, and Schuester.
Famous people with the name Schitterer
- Jacques Schitterer: French television journalist and producer.
- Nick Schitterer: American professional basketball player.
- Tom Schitterer: Austrian-American bodybuilder, personal trainer, and actor.
- Bob Schitterer: American alpine ski racer.
- Sergey Schitterer: Russian scientist and politician.
- Fritz Schitterer: German Nazi politician.
- Hans Schitterer: German Jesuit and philosopher.
- Eva Schitterer: German-American academic expert on school reform.
- Meagan Schitterer Weiler: American advocate for women’s rights and education.
- Herbert Schitterer: Austrian painter, draftsman, and graphic designer.
- Martin Schitterer: Austrian sculptor, painter, and graphic artist.
- Lorenz Schitterer: German microbiologist, botanist, and mycologist.
- Lu Schitterer: American farmer and politician.
- Gunter Schitterer: German World War II fighter pilot.
- Alan Schitterer: American cartoonist and comic book artist.
- Yvonne Schitterer: German author, radio presenter, and voice actor.
- Bert Schitterer: Swiss composer, arranger, and music professor.
- Michael Schitterer: Austrian politician and journalist.
- Ilia Schitterer: Ukrainian Member of Parliament and Minister of Internal Affairs.
- Lawrence Schitterer: American navy pilot and politician.