Surname Steinstrasser - Meaning and Origin

Steinstrasser: What does the surname Steinstrasser mean?

The surname Steinstrasser is of German origin, likely derived from a location in Bavaria. Translated, the name Steinstrasser means "stone stream". According to one source, the name was "probably taken by an ancestor who lived near a stone stream" or from a place that's name was derived from such a feature.

In other cases, the surname may have been derived from a house or estate near a stone stream. It was not uncommon in the 19th century for those with landed inheritances to take the name of the estate or house they lived in, as a means of identification or distinction.

Steinstrasser is a fairly rare surname, with the earliest record being found in the Archdiocese of Cologne in 1262. It is found today primarily in Germany, although there are several families who have spread around the world.

The surname Steinstrasser is an interesting reminder of the importance of geography, landmarks, and regional history in family names. It is an excellent example of how a four-word phrase can contain over 800 years of history in its meaning.

Steinstrasser: Where does the name Steinstrasser come from?

The last name Steinstrasser (or Streunstrasser) is most commonly found throughout Central and Northern Europe. It originated in the German region of Westphalia, an area which is now part of North Rhine-Westphalia. The first instance of its use is believed to have been in the 12th century, possibly referring to someone living by a stone or stony area.

The last name can be found throughout Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and The Netherlands, as well as other Northern and Central European countries. As of 2020, the most common European countries to have the last name are Germany and Switzerland, with the highest concentration of the name in Switzerland.

The highest concentration of the last name in the United States is found in Minnesota, followed closely by Pennsylvania, California, New York and Wisconsin, reflecting the migration of Germans to those states in the 19th century.

Regardless of its current geographical location, the last name Steinstrasser has always been a unique and recognizable one. Its roots in Westphalia are tied to the strength and longevity that the name has had over centuries, making it a familiar moniker even today.

Variations of the surname Steinstrasser

The variant spelling and surnames for Steinstrasser all derive from the same root word and can be found in various countries and cultures.

The spelling Steinstrasser is found in Germany, the spelling Steinstraesser is found in Austria and the spelling Steinstraesser is found in the Netherlands.

The surname Steinstrasser has various other related spellings and variations which are similar but distinct. These include the spellings Steinstraesser, Stein Cooperation, Stein Strate & Stein State.

In the United States, the surname Steinstrasser is commonly found spelled as Steinstrausser.

The variants that are based on the root word Steinstrasser can also appear with hyphens as Steinstraesser-Steinstrasser or Steinstraesser-Strasser.

The surname Steinstrasser has many derivative surname spellings due to regional language changes, cultural influences, immigration, and anglicization. These include the spellings Steinsager, Stenstrasser, Steinbrosser, Steinstraesser, Steinbrucker, Steinbrecker, Steinbrocker, Stenbrucker, Stenbrocker, Steinbrugger, Steinbrogger, Stenbrugger, Stenbrogger, Steinbourg, Steinbrugh, Steinbrugge, Steinbrogh, Steinbrugh, and Steinbrugge.

In some areas of Northern Europe the surname Steinstrasser is also rendered as Stallmannstraesser or Stolmanstraesser. The root word “Staal” indicates one who works with metal or steel and suggests the possibility of a local ferrier or blacksmith.

In the UK, the surname Steinstrasser has been anglicized to the spelling Stonstrasser.

In Australia, the surname Steinstrasser is generally spelled as Stenstrasser.

The surname has also been adapted to the Russian language becoming Штейнстрассер.

The basic root of the surname Steinstrasser translates to “stone street” or “stone road” and it is believed that the original bearer of the name likely owned or operated a business on a road bordered by stones.

Famous people with the name Steinstrasser

• Alfred Steinstrasser, Austrian ski jumper who won two World Cup events
• Philipp Steinstrasser, German artist and architect
• Rudolph Steinstrasser, German social psychologist and philosopher
• Sue Steinstrasser, American actress best known for her role in The Office
• husbands Leo and Paul Steinstrasser, American art collectors who collaborated with Andy Warhol
• Eric Steinstrasser, German zoologist and entomologist
• Rudi Steinstrasser, German sociologist and ethnologist
• Erika Steinstrasser, Czech writer and playwright
• Sirius Steinstrasser, German entrepreneur and philanthropist
• Oskar Steinstrasser, Austrian painter and printmaker

Other surnames

Steinstrass