Surname Stelzle - Meaning and Origin
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Stelzle: What does the surname Stelzle mean?
The last name Stelzle is of German-Austrian origin and is derived from the German word ‘stelze’, which means a stilt or a post. In some cases, it is also thought to have come from the Middle High German word ‘stelze’, meaning ‘a thin, large-legged person’.
The first recorded spelling of this surname was in August 1525 when one Peter Stelzen of Freiensteyn, Germany was recorded in the city archives. The year 1525 is also known as the year of the Stelzle family's first settlement in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.
It is possible that the Stelzle family moved to Germany from either Austria or Bavaria in the 1700s, as this was a time when many people from many countries were migrating to Germany in search of a better life. The Stelzle family first appeared in the records in 1732 in Munich, Bavaria, which suggests that they might have migrated from Austria or Bavaria.
In modern times, the Stelzle name has survived all over the world, with many descendants of the Stelzles still living in Europe and the United States.
Overall, the last name Stelzle means ‘from the stilt’ and has its origins in Germany. Its history is closely tied to that of the Holy Roman Empire, with evidence of the surname’s presence in German records dating as far back as 1525. Its meaning evokes a sense of balance, strength, and resilience in those who bear the name.
Order DNA origin analysisStelzle: Where does the name Stelzle come from?
The last name Stelzle is believed to have originated in Germany. Today it is most commonly found across the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Within Germany, it is most common in the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg. It has also been recorded in parts of Eastern Europe, as well as in the Belgian province of West Flanders.
The Stelzle surname has multiple origins, and its etymology has varying explanations, depending on region. In some instances, it is derived from the Middle High German word "stelle," meaning to stand or stand erect. In other parts of Germany, it is believed the name is derived from the old German word "Stoilz," which stands for noble courage.
As of 2020 there are over 7,000 Stelzles listed in the White Pages of Germany alone. While the vast majority of those with the last name reside in German-speaking countries, the surname is also found in other places due to emigration. The US is home to just over 500 Stelzles, mostly concentrated in New Jersey, Colorado, and Minnesota. In the United Kingdom, around 200 people can be found with the name Stelzle, most of them residing in London.
Overall, the last name Stelzle is primarily concentrated in German-speaking countries, with smaller numbers of people who can be found in other parts of Europe, the US, and the UK.
Variations of the surname Stelzle
The surname Stelzle is believed to have originated from southwest Germany, specifically in the Rhine Valley region. As a result, variations, spelling and surnames of this name can vary between different countries and regions.
In Germany, the alternate spellings of Stelzle are Stähler, Stölzle, Stähle, Stelze, Stehle, Stehle, Stählin, Stälzl, Stöelzl, Stehlze, and Stahle. Some German derivatives of Stelzle include Stolzel, Stoltzle, Stoltzer, and Staltzer.
In the United States, the surname is often spelled Stelzel or Steltz. Most notably, in the Midwest region of the United States, there is the small Dutch-American population referred to as “Pennsylvania Dutch” who came over in the 1700s and 1800s and often use the different spellings of Steltz or Steltje.
In Austria, the surname is often seen spelled as Staindl, Steindl, Steinle, Ständl.
Altogether, the surname Stelzle has seen many different regional, country, and dialect variations. It is a prime example of how surnames can evolve over time through gradual changes in the languages it is associated with.
Famous people with the name Stelzle
- Margaret Stelzle: Margaret Stelzle is an American actress who is best known for her starring role in the hit comedy film, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
- Chuck Stelzle: Chuck Stelzle is a former Major League Baseball player who played for the Cleveland Indians from 1967 to 1969.
- Dominic Stelzle: Dominic Stelzle is a German opera conductor who has conducted performances of operas from various composers, including Wagner and Verdi.
- Anita Stelzle: Anita Stelzle is a German politician who is the member of Parliament for the Christian Democratic Union.
- Richard Stelzle: Richard Stelzle is a former Member of the European Parliament who served from 1995 to 2004.
- Arthur Stelzle: Arthur Stelzle was a German geographer who is most known for authoring the first German language geography textbook for children in 1899.
- Harry Stelzle: Harry Stelzle is an Irish actor who has appeared in numerous television and film productions, including The Tudors and The Wind that Shakes the Barley.
- Volker Stelzle: Volker Stelzle is a German actor and voice actor who has voiced numerous characters in animation, video games, and audiobooks.
- Leopoldine Stelzle: Leopoldine Stelzle was a prominent German poet and novelist during the 19th century.
- Peter Stelzle: Peter Stelzle is an Austrian sculptor known for his works in bronze, marble, wood, and stone.