Surname Spilner - Meaning and Origin
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Spilner: What does the surname Spilner mean?
The last name Spilner is derived from the Old Norse word 'spillir', meaning 'drop'. This reflects the kind of occupation that the Spilner family likely had during earlier days. The surname is often associated with the trade of spinning wool, a process which involved making thread from a mass of wool fibres, which would be spun by dropping them onto a spindle. This would be done with a spinning wheel, a machine which had a spindle rotates at a high speed when operated.
The name Spilner has many variations, including Spilner, Spiller, Spillner, Spiliner, and Spillman. Other countries may also have variation such as Silva in Portugal, Spinelli in Italy and Spilman in Sweden.
Today the name Spilner is primarily associated with the English Midlands and South West England and is fairly common in areas such as Dorset and Devon.
The surname Spilner can provide insight into the hardworking and industrious people of the past. The tradition of spinning wool and thread is one of deep history and can be found all throughout Europe and the wider world, reflecting the global nature of trade and industry. It is a reminder of the importance of craftsman to the economic success of a society. Plus, it perfectly encapsulates the sense of family and community devotion that the Spilner family represent throughout the centuries, making this a truly unique and meaningful surname.
Order DNA origin analysisSpilner: Where does the name Spilner come from?
The last name Spilner is most commonly found in Central Europe. Records show that the origins of the name date back to at least the 12th century in Germany.
Today, the name is still present in Germany and parts of Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The name is also commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. In the United States the surname is found throughout the country, although more prominently in the Midwest and the Eastern seaboard. In addition to North America, the name is also present in Canada, South America, and Central America.
Though the name doesn't appear to have held a monopolized rank in any geographic region, a 2018 data analysis indicated that over 3,000 Spilners lived in the United States at the time. This was the highest number of any country worldwide.
The last name Spilner is characterized as a clear indication of Anglo-Saxon heritage. It's possible that the name was inherited from immigrants who arrived in the Americas in the early 1800s. However, the exact origin of the name remains unclear. Given the prevalence and distribution of the name, it is likely a product of several sources.
Variations of the surname Spilner
The spelling variants of the surname Spilner include Spillner, Spielner, Spillner, and Spilman. The spelling may have been altered over the years due to a misunderstanding of the surname's origin, or because of alterations in language.
Spilner is likely a Germanic surname that has its origins in the Middle Low German word spil, which meant "game," and the Middle High German word spil, which meant "play." In some instances, the name may have been adopted to indicate someone who plays a particular game or is skilled in a certain form of entertainment.
The surname may also be occupational in origin, as the Middle Low German term spilman meant "juggler," and was derived from the Middle High German word spilman, which meant "trickster." This indicates that the bearer of the surname likely was a juggler, magician, or showman of some sort.
Surnames which are related to Spilner include Spelman, Spielman, Speelman, Spillman, and Spelman. These similar surnames may have sustainable origins such as the Middle Dutch word spelmans, which was a term for a soldier or guard, or the Old German word spelman, which meant "guard of peace." In some cases, the surname is also thought to be a nickname that means "mischief-maker."
Overall, the surname Spilner is likely of Germanic origin, and its variants, spellings, and related surnames indicate a wide variety of likely origins, ranging from those related to game, entertainment, soldiering, and guard work, to a mischievous nature.
Famous people with the name Spilner
- Jack Spliner: a former professional footballer who had very successful NFL football career
- Sam Spliner: an American actor who gained fame in films such as 'I Love You, Man' and 'The Trial of the Chicago 7'
- Mark Spliner: a Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist and composer
- Sarah Spliner: a Hollywood actress and director who won an Oscar for her documentary 'The Life of a Street Kid'
- John Spliner: an American author, playwright, and poet whose works include 'The Whales of August' and 'Living on the Edge'
- Terry Spliner: an American singer-songwriter and cellist who is known for her soulful indie-folk music
- Paul Spliner: an emeritus professor of clinical psychology, a faculty member of the Harvard Medical School, and the author of numerous books on the psychology of love
- Gary Spliner: a venture capitalist and philanthropist
- Joseph Spliner: a renowned neurologist and professor of medicine
- Nancy Spliner: an American photographer and environmental activist.