Surname Stefl - Meaning and Origin
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Stefl: What does the surname Stefl mean?
The last name Stefl, also spelled Stöfl and Stöfel, is an old German surname, originally derived from the Middle High German word “stöflin,” which means “a small stick,” or “rod.” In the ancient Germanic culture, the name would have referred to someone who was known to carry a staff, as a sign of their authority or profession.
The use of the surname likely first began in the Gothic speaking regions of modern day Austria and Bavaria, before spreading to other parts of Germany and Europe in the Middle Ages. Although the name Stefl has never been particularly common, it has been found in records dating back to the 14th century.
Today, the surname Stefl is found most commonly in central and eastern Europe, particularly in Bavaria and Austria. It can also be found among European immigrants to the United States, many of whom arrived during the 19th century.
In addition to indicating a profession or social rank, the surname Stefl could also have been taken on as a nickname or personal descriptor. It may have referred to a person's stature, hair or eye color, or some other physical characteristic. Whatever the origin of the name, it remains a unique part of German history and can still be found in many families today.
Order DNA origin analysisStefl: Where does the name Stefl come from?
The last name Stefl is a surname that is commonly found in countries in Central and Eastern Europe, especially in parts of the former Austria-Hungary Empire. In Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and many other east European countries it is among the top 100 most common surnames. It is also among the top 500 surnames in the United States, according to the US Census bureau.
The origin of the name Stefl is believed to come from the Germanic word "stofel", which means "bale, bundle" or "stove". It is likely that the name initially referred to someone who was a bundle-carrier or stove-maker.
Stefl can also be found in western and northern Europe, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. In those countries, it is typically spelled "Steffl" or "Steffel".
In Canada, the United States and South America, the Stefl surname is most commonly found in the German-speaking immigrant communities, particularly those of Austrian and Czech descent.
No matter where it is found, the Stefl surname is a relatively common one, and, although it has evolved to take on different spellings, its Iesuage and adoption has remained constant.
Variations of the surname Stefl
The surname Stefl has various different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include the following:
Stefel – This German form of the name is derived from a short form of names beginning with "Stefa" or "Stepha," like Stefan or Stephan.
Stefel – This Czech form of the name could come from either a nickname for names with "Sta/"Stepha," or from the Czech word for "starling".
Stiefel – This German name is a diminutive form of the given name "Stefan," itself coming from the Greek word "Stephanos," meaning "crown" or "garland".
Stiefl – A variant of Stiefel typically used in Austria and Germany.
Stefle – A variant of Stefan found in Slovenia and Hungary, in which the "-an" ending is replaced by the "-e" ending.
Steple – An Anglicized variation of the surname, derived from Stiefel.
Stäfel – Another variant of Stiefel, found in Switzerland.
Stefl – Another variant of Stefel, found across Europe.
Steful – A Romanian variant of the name.
Stipan – A Croatian variation, derived from the Slavic names, "Stjepan" or "Stepan," that themselves come from "Stephanos."
Lastly, Stipon, a shortened or pet form of "Stjepan".
Overall, many different Eastern and Central European countries have their own variants of the surname Stefl, each with their own cultural and linguistic histories. From the aristocratic Stephanos to the common starling, the name can be traced to many different origins.
Famous people with the name Stefl
- Marianne Stefl-Mabry: an American business executive and author best known for her work on corporate reform.
- Logan Stefl: an American artist and musician known for his self-portraits and abstract works.
- Eva Stefl: a German athlete who won gold medals in artistic cycling in the Summer Olympic Games in 1992 and 1996.
- Thomas Stefl: an Austrian skier who competed in the Winter Olympic Games in 1988 and 1992.
- Katrina Stefl: an American fashion designer and creative director, best known for her work with luxury goods.
- Andrea Stefl-Klingler: an Austrian squash player, who also has other titles such as Diamond European Champion and Austrian National Champion.
- Michael Stefl: an American actor, best known for his roles in TV shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Friends, and Boston Legal.
- Deborah Stefl: an American singer and songwriter best known for her singles "What You Need" and "Love Will Find a Way".
- Edward Stefl: a Czech composer and music producer who produced numerous album for popular bands like The Killers and Franz Ferdinand.
- Drew Stefl: a German hockey player who played in the Deutschland Cup from 2014 to 2018.