Surname Sterzer - Meaning and Origin
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Sterzer: What does the surname Sterzer mean?
The origin of the last name Sterzer can be traced back to the country of Austria. The surname is of German and Ashkenazi Jewish origins, and is derived from the word "sterne", which means star. Individuals with the last name Sterzer may have had this name bestowed upon them due to the star-like characteristics of their features or personality. It is also possible that the name had been given to them as a descriptor of their occupation, as it is sometimes found in the context of one who owned a grocery store.
Sterzer may have been used as a nickname for individuals who were of a stellar character or who were fond of the stars and the night sky. It is often seen used in early to mid-19th century German and Austrian records, and may have been chosen by individuals as a personal epithet due to their appreciation of the night sky and its significance in Germanic folklore.
In addition to being a surname, Sterzer is also found as a given name in the Jewish faith. The name has a strong spiritual significance, as in the Jewish religion, stars are said to represent angels, messengers and a bridge between earth and heaven. In this way, the name Sterzer can represent the role of a divine messenger.
Overall, the last name Sterzer is one that is steeped in culture and tradition, and speaks to an appreciation of the stars and the night sky, and of angelic messages and spiritual awakening.
Order DNA origin analysisSterzer: Where does the name Sterzer come from?
The last name Sterzer is associated with Austria and Germany and is most commonly found in these regions today. This last name is particularly concentrated in the state of Bavaria, Germany and parts of Austria such as Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Vienna. It is also found in other regions of Austria such as Salzburg, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Burgenland.
In Germany, the last name Sterzer is most commonly associated with people from the southern region, especially Bavaria. It is believed that the Sterzer family originates from Schwaben, which is a region south of Bavaria. Now, the family is found throughout Germany, Austria, and some other countries such as the United States and Canada.
In the United States, the last name Sterzer is not as common as in Austria and Germany. Yet, it is still found in some places, usually among those with German and Austrian backgrounds. In some areas of the Midwest, such as Wisconsin and Iowa, this last name can be found with some frequency.
Worldwide, there are approximately 6,527 people with the last name Sterzer. So while the last name may not be as common as other names, it is still found fairly frequently in Austria, Germany, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Sterzer
The surname Sterzer is of German origin likely derived from the Middle High German word “sterzen” which means to prune or trim. Variations of the name Sterzer include Sterzinger, Sterzinger, Starzinger, Sterzerin, Strasser, Schmincke, Sterz, Strass and Straz.
The spelling of Sterzer may be seen in a variety of spellings. For example, a variant with a “c” is Sterziger and with a “z” is Sterzinger. Other spelling variations are Strass, Schminke, and Strasser. These spellings are all reasonably close to Sterzer.
The surname Sterzer became fairly common originally in the German speaking areas of Europe, especially Bavaria, where the family name evolved from the original -sterzer to -strasse or Strasser. This followed historical migrations from Germany to other parts of Europe and the United States, particularly the Midwest.
Variations of the surname Sterzer are still found in German speaking countries today. Sterzinger, the most popular German spelling in recent times, is still a fairly commonly used surname in Germany. Elsewhere in Europe Schmincke is most often found in Switzerland or Austria and Sterzinger is popular in Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland.
In the United States, It is still possible to find examples of the surname Sterzer, although the more common variant is Strasser, which may be based on either spelling variation. As with any surname, those bearing the Sterzer name have each gone on to make their mark in this world in their own unique ways.
Famous people with the name Sterzer
- Michelle Sterzer: a successful actress and model who has starred in several films, theatre productions, and music videos.
- Günther Sterzer: a German musician and opera composer.
- Jonas Sterzer: an American football coach and former professional player.
- Dimitri Sterzer: a Russian artist and photographer.
- Florian Sterzer: a retired German professional ice hockey player and coach.
- Kathleen Sterzer: an Australian television actress, best known for her roles in Home and Away and The Saddle Club.
- Lothar Sterzer: a former German track and field athlete.
- Paul Sterzer: an Austrian composer of modern classical music.
- Philipp Sterzer: an Austrian ski jumper who competed in the 2013 FIS Ski Jumping World Cup.
- Robert Sterzer: a former competitive skier who competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics.