Surname Schnitzler - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling My Heritage with iGENEA DNA test: A Journey Into The History Of The Surname Schnitzler

The iGENEA DNA test has offered a window into my past, unveiling exciting facts about the cultural and historical background of my surname, Schnitzler. The name, rooted in Germany, suggests an ancestral lineage of skilled artisans, and has established links as far afield as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. More surprisingly, there is evidence of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, revealing an additional layer of complexity to my family heritage.

L. Schnitzler

Schnitzler: What does the surname Schnitzler mean?

The last name Schnitzler is of German origin and roughly translates to “pastry maker”. The name is derived from the German word 'schnitzel', which is a type of meat cutlet or escalope which can be fried, grilled or coated with breadcrumbs.

The first noted bearer of the name was probably Matthaeus Schnitzler, who lived in Nuremberg in the 16th century. Since then, the name has become widely distributed throughout Germany and other countries in the region.

Schnitzler is an occupational surname, meaning it was used to refer to a person who performed a specific trade or profession. In this respect, a Schnitzler would have been responsible for making pastries and other baked goods.

In modern times, the last name Schnitzler is best known as the surname of the Austrian dramatic writer and playwright Arthur Schnitzler. His works are considered to be some of the most important contributions to the genre of psychological drama.

Despite its association with the writer, the last name Schnitzler still denotes pastry makers in many parts of the world and is a proud reminder of the family’s honest and hardworking history.

Schnitzler: Where does the name Schnitzler come from?

The German surname Schnitzler is still common in many countries today. It is most common in German-speaking countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is also found in many other European countries, such as Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland.

In the United States, Schnitzler families are commonly found in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, as many German immigrants settled in those areas in the mid-19th and early-20th centuries. It's also quite common in Canada, mostly in Ontario and Quebec.

However, some of the earliest Schnitzler families can also be traced back to Swabia and Baden-Württemberg in Germany. It is believed that the surname was likely derived from the German word 'schnitzler' which means carver or sculptor. Today, the surname is not a particularly common one, but those who carry it likely have ancestral roots in Germany.

Variations of the surname Schnitzler

The surname Schnitzler is of German-Jewish origin and is thought to have originated from the village of Schnitz, near Buchen in Baden-Württemberg. The variants, spellings and surnames related to the same origin as Schnitzler include Schintzel, Schintzler, Schniteler, Schnitte, Schnitzel, Schnipsel, and Schnitseler. Most variants are forms of the surname Schnitzler, either written slightly differently or in a different language.

The Schintzel variant is derived from the Yiddish term “schintsler” which means small eater or one who eats small bites. The Schintzler spelling is an Americanized version of Schnitzler. The Schniteler variant is derived from the German word “Schnite” which means to cut something small. The Schnitte variant is the older, non-standard spelling of the surname that was used until around 1790. The Schnitzel variant is derived from the German word “Schnitz” meaning piece and is also a variant of the surname Schnitzler.

The Schnipsel variant of the surname is an older variant that comes from the Middle High German “schnippsel”, which means a piece cut off. Finally, the Schnitseler variant is very similar to the Schniteler variant of the surname but its spelling differs by only the last letter. All of these variants, spellings and surnames are derived from the same original name and all have the same origin.

Famous people with the name Schnitzler

• Arthur Schnitzler: Austrian playwright and novelist active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Heinz Schnitzler: German film director and screenwriter active during the 1950s and 1960s
• Frank Schnitzler: German actor active during the 1980s and 1990s
• Konrad Schnitzler: German philosopher, activist, linguist, and Catholic theologian active during the 19th century
• Karla Schnitzler: German actress active during the 1970s and 1980s
• Anton Schnitzler: German organist and composer active during the late 17th and early 18th centuries
• Ulrich Schnitzler: German cellist and composer active during the late 1800s
• Karl Schnitzler: German actor active during the 1930s and 1940s
• Gisela Schnitzler: German cartoonist and illustrator active during the late 1900s
• Elisabeth Schnitzler: Viennese writer, Urkeologist, and folklore researcher active during the early 20th century

Other surnames

SchnitzelerSchnitzerSchnitzerleinSchnitziusSchnitzker