Surname Settelein - Meaning and Origin

Settelein: What does the surname Settelein mean?

The surname Settelein is found in various forms in many countries around the world. It is most commonly found in German-speaking countries and also in Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. It most likely originated as an occupational name for a sieve maker.

The surname Settelein is derived from Middle High German and Old High German words such as ‘setel’, meaning sieve, and ‘lein’, meaning made of. This combination of words literally translates to ‘made of sieves’, which, when combined, can be interpreted as ‘sieve maker’.

The surname Settelein is thought to have derived from a person’s occupation as a sieve maker. As such, it could have been used to distinguish people with a similar occupation from one another. In Germany especially, the craft of making sieves was an important trade with many traditional families having made a living out of crafting and selling them.

Today, Settelein is still a fairly common surname in many German-speaking countries. It can also be found in some parts of the UK, where it is likely the result of twentieth century immigration from Germany and other parts of Europe. Whilst the occupation of sieve making is no longer as widespread, the surname is still being passed down from family generations.

Settelein: Where does the name Settelein come from?

The last name Settelein is mainly found in Germany and Austria today. Estimates of the number of individuals with the surname vary, but according to the US Census Bureau, there are roughly 4,200 people with this surname living in these countries.

In Germany, the surname is most commonly found in the western parts of the country, namely North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The exact spelling of the name may differ slightly in different regions and dialects.

In Austria, Settelein is primarily found in the south of the country, including Carinthia, Styria and Burgenland.

Although not as widespread as it once was, at one point, the Settelein name was shared by many lineages and localities across Europe. Since then, some branches have relocated or have died out, leaving fewer individuals bearing the name today.

In Germany and Austria, the Settelein surname still carries some recognition, as old lineages, distinct traditions and history linger in many rural areas. Despite the surname’s decline in numbers in modern times, the Settelein family still has a presence in the region and remains a significant part of the region's culture.

Variations of the surname Settelein

Settelein is a surname of German origin, derived from the Germanic name Sigelehaim which is composed of two elements; sigele meaning "victory" and heim meaning "home". This surname is found in various spellings across English speaking countries, including; Settelein, Settelaine, Settelange, Settelangen, Settelman.

In Germany, the spelling of the surname has been adapted to Settelmann, making it slightly different to the variation used in English speaking countries. Another variation in Germany is Settlinski, which is derived from a shortened version of the individual’s first name, such as Siegmund or Siegfried.

In the US, the surname can also differ in the format of Settele, other versions such as Settle, Settel, Settell, Settelle, Sette, Settleman, Settlemyer, and Settlemeyer exist.

In the past, the surname has also been associated with Jewish individuals, appearing as Settelewitz as a result.

Throughout Europe, the name can also appear as Settelen, Settling, Settlinger, Settin, and Sittel.

Overall, Settelein is a surname with various interpretations and spellings due to its German origin and evolution to English speaking countries. As seen, the surname has transformed overtime, branching out into different spellings, yet still maintaining its original root of sigele (victory) and heim (home).

Famous people with the name Settelein

• Fiona Settelein: German biathlon and cross-country skier
• Haben Settelein: Eritrean-born German endurance athlete
• Franz Settelein: German bobsledder
• Markus Settelein: German figure skater
• Heike Settelein: German video editor, director, actress and author
• Nadia Settelein: Swiss actress and writer
• Felix Settelein: German figure skater
• Yannick Settelein: French-Belgian dancer and choreographer
• Luca Settelein: Swiss actor and film editor
• Beatrice Settelein: Austrian singer and songwriter

Other surnames

Settele