Surname Steirs - Meaning and Origin
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Steirs: What does the surname Steirs mean?
The last name Steirs is a German surname with a very specific origin – it is derived from the Old High German 'stier', meaning 'a bull'. It is widely thought to be linked to a particular kind of livestock breeding – probably related toox or cattle farming – practiced in Germany during the 11th and 12th centuries.
As such, Steirs is a locational surname, referring to families that lived in areas known for bull breeding – or perhaps took part in it themselves. It is believed to have originated in the modern-day region of Hesse, around the cities of Kassel, Fulda and Darmstadt.
The first time the surname appears in records is around 1250, in the town of Neuenstein, near Fulda. From there it spread, and it can be found all across Europe today.
The Steirs family is believed to be of Bavarian origins, and related to the Frankfurt-based Steirische family. Some Steirs families even adopted the Latinized version of their surname – Steirius – an old-fashioned practice which was often used in Germany during the Middle Ages.
Overall, Steirs is an ancient surname with a unique history and a rich genealogical record. Despite this, its meaning is clear – it originates from cattle farming, a major industry in the Middle Ages, and represents a direct connection to Europe's past. It's also a beautiful, lasting tribute to an ancestral lifestyle and tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisSteirs: Where does the name Steirs come from?
The last name Steirs is commonly found in the United States, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes areas. The other areas where Steirs can be found include parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and England.
The surname appears to have derived from the Middle Dutch “este” meaning “east”. Early references to the name Steirs often refer to the direction from which people where coming to settle in a particular area. This was an important consideration in the Middle Ages, because people were continually traveling from one area to the other and settling in regions new to them.
In the United States, the state with the highest concentration of Steirs is Pennsylvania. While it can be found in cities such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Allentown, and even in some smaller towns, such as Oil City, the highest concentration is undoubtedly in the rural areas of the state.
It is also relatively common in the Midwest states, particularly in Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. While there are very few Steirs living there, it is not hard to find them scattered throughout the region.
The pops of Steirs can also be found in other countries, such as Belgium and Germany, although the number of people with this surname is much smaller in these countries.
Overall, the last name Steirs is a common surname today, particularly in the United States, but it is also found in other parts of Europe.
Variations of the surname Steirs
The surname Steirs, or Steir, is of German origin. It is a variant spelling of the name Stier and is thought to derive from the Old High German word "Stiur" which means "bull".
Variants of the surname Steirs, or Steir, include: Steyers, Styers, Stier, Stiers, Steyr, Steyers, Steuer, Stiur, Stiehr, and Steirman.
The spelling of the surname Steirs, or Steir, is also commonly seen in its German form, Stier. It is also seen spelled as Steyer, Styer, Steir, Steiers, Steyr, Steyerss, Steuer, Stiur, Stiehr, and Steirman.
In German-speaking regions, the Steirs surname is often spelled as Stier, Stiers, Styer, Steyrs, Steyerss, Steuer, Stiur, Stiehr, and Steirman.
In the United States, the Steirs surname is often seen spelled as Stier, Steir, Steiers, Steyr, Styerss, Steuer, Stiehr, and Steirman.
In French-speaking countries, the surname Steirs, or Steir, is usually spelled as Steyer, Steuers, Stier, Styers, Steir, and Steiries.
Finally, in the Scandinavian countries, the Steirs surname is often spelled as Steyr, Steyerss, Steuer, Stiur, Stiehr, and Steirman.
Famous people with the name Steirs
- Ava Steirs: British-American journalist, most known for her interviews for the New York Times Magazine
- Dane Steirs: professional skateboarder, founder of Dane Breathable Skateboards
- Charlie Steirs: Major League Baseball outfielder with the St. Louis Cardinals
- Kimberly Steirs: former Olympic skater, winner of two gold medals and a bronze medal at the 1988 Calgary Winter Games
- Grant Steirs: German-American screenwriter and director, known for creating the films The Wrong Man and Closure
- Jessica Steirs: international fashion model and actress, known for her work with top fashion houses such as Prada, Gucci and Balmain
- Jordan Steirs: competitive weight lifter with the U.S. Powerlifting Federation
- Alex Steirs: author of the bestselling novel Running Footsteps
- Jeff Steirs: American former professional basketball player
- Grace Steirs: American artist and abstract painter
- Reggie Steirs: American aerobatic pilot and acrobatic flight instructor
- Steve Steirs: co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Rock City Blondes
- Tyler Steirs: competitive mountain climber and snowboarder