Surname Steinlen - Meaning and Origin
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Steinlen: What does the surname Steinlen mean?
The last name Steinlen is a German and Swiss surname. It generally derives from the Old High German word 'stein' meaning 'stone' – suggesting that the family originally worked with stones in some manner. Alternatively, the name could be derived from ‘steinheln’, which means ‘stone-mouth’ or ‘stone-spring’, suggesting that they may have lived near a spring or well.
In the early 19th century, a large number of Steinlens from Switzerland emigrated to the United States. In more recent times, this surname has become associated with a Swiss-born artist, Théophile Steinlen. In 1875, Steinlen began painting and illustrating posters, many of which featured cats, which earned him the title ‘the man of cats’. Today, his work is still considered a classic of Art Nouveau.
In addition to the artist, the name Steinlen is associated with a number of notable people around the world. This includes a number of prominent German physicists, Swiss politicians, and French poets like Alida Steinlen.
Overall, from the derivation of the surname, it clear that the name Steinlen is associated with a rich history and culture. It is also associated with a number of notable figures, making it a powerful family name.
Order DNA origin analysisSteinlen: Where does the name Steinlen come from?
The last name Steinlen is most commonly found today in Switzerland, France, and Germany. It is a surname of German and Swiss German origins, derived from a nickname which in turn was derived from a locality. It was a Savoyard habitational surname denoting someone from Steinlen, a place in the Fribourg canton of Switzerland. Steinlen is one of the oldest and most common surnames in the country, first appearing in the 11th century.
In Switzerland, Steinlen is found primarily in the country's German-speaking regions. In France, the surname is quite common. It appears most frequently in the areas along the Swiss border, where centuries of cross-border migration has taken place. In Germany, Steinlen is most common in areas that traditionally had significant Swiss influence, such as the former border states of Alsace and Lorraine.
Throughout all of these regions, the last name Steinlen is seen as a symbol of Swiss origin and heritage. It is especially revered in Switzerland, where it was once used by an aristocratic family who played an important role in the country's history. However, it is not uncommon to find variants of the name in other countries, such as Austria, Holland, Canada and the United States. These families may have ties to the Swiss Steinlens, likely through the 18th and 19th century migrations of Swiss people in search of better economic or political opportunities.
Variations of the surname Steinlen
The surname Steinlen is of German origin. It is known primarily as "Steinlen," but alternate variants include "Steinlan," "Steinmann," "Stainlen," and "Stainman." Additionally, Stein stands as a shortened version of the surname.
There are several associated surnames derived from Steinlen. These include Estainlan, Steinalan, Steinland, Steinle, Steinlee, Steinleman, Steinlien, Steinlin, Steinlind, Steinling, Steinman, Stenland, Steprand, and Traenlen.
According to one source, the name Steinlen is derived from the Middle High German "steen," meaning "stone," and "lan" or "len," meaning "garden," "meadow," or "landscape." Though most sources agree that Steinlen is of German origin, this name is also believed to be of Swiss, Dutch, and French origin, and is believed by some to have derived from the Latin word "transilire," which means "to cross over."
Given the various origin stories and spellings associated with the surname, it is likely that multiple branches of the Steinlen family tree have different origin stories, and they likely came from different parts of Europe at different times. Some may have come from Germany while others may have come from Switzerland, and some from France or the Netherlands.
No matter the variant or spelling, the Steinlen surname is of German origin. Over the centuries, it has traveled across the continent and the world, transforming and flourishing in its many forms.
Famous people with the name Steinlen
- Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen: 19th century French artist and printmaker who is best known for his posters, particularly those featuring cats, by which he was strongly identified
- Yves Steinlen: French scientist and politician known for his research in physics and service to public issues of nuclear energy
- Charles Edward Steinlen: Swiss-born American illustrator and painter during the late 19th century
- Jacques Steinlen: French artist, printer, designer, photographer, and poster maker in the early 20th century
- Valerie Steinlen: French artist from the Steinlen family, best known for her knitwear designs
- Peter Steinlen: Swiss theater director, scholar, and author
- Johannes Steinlen: Swiss painter and designer from the early 20th century
- Julien Steinlen: Swiss architect, sculptor, and draftsman from the 19th century
- Karl Hugo Steilen: German-born American industrialist, philanthropist, and art collector
- Patrice Steinlen: French director, scriptwriter, and animator known for comedies and family films.