Surname Stirzel - Meaning and Origin

Stirzel: What does the surname Stirzel mean?

The last name Stirzel is of German origin and derived from the Middle High German word “Stirzel” or “Stuerzel”, which means "small straw" or "stubble". Stirzels were originally stewards of a nobleman's estate and were responsible for managing and overseeing the property and accounting. They were also responsible for ensuring that the estate was productive and profitable.

The Stirzel family name can be found mostly in the area of Southern Germany, particularly Bavaria. It is believed that in the 12th century, when surnames became a requirement for tax purposes, the Stirzels were the stewards of a large estate in Bavaria and thus adopted the name Stirzel. As surnames spread, the Stirzel surname was adopted by other families throughout the region.

The Stirzel family crest features a straw man or “Stuerzelmann”, which is also known as the symbol of the profession of stewardship. It symbolizes hard work and diligence in the protection of wealth, but also the importance of working together with one's community and aiding in its growth.

By the 19th century, the Stirzel family had diversified largely and expanded throughout the region. Today, the Stirzel surname continues to be popular and is found in many parts of Germany and other European countries. Although the occupation of stewardship is largely obsolete, the Stirzel family crest with its straw man still serves as a reminder of the hard-working and diligent members of this influential family.

Stirzel: Where does the name Stirzel come from?

The last name Stirzel is most commonly found in regions of Eastern Europe, specifically The Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, and Austria. Historically, this last name is believed to have German origins and may indicate that someone’s ancestors were brewers, particularly of beer.

Within the Czech Republic, Stirzel was originally found in the area near Náchod, common surnames in this area were Tomek, Josek, and Pohorelsky. Other variants of the surname are found throughout Europe, including Steersal, Sterzel, Stürzel, Stürz, and Sterzel. These variations most likely arose as a result of migration of people throughout Europe over time.

Outside of Europe, there are Stirzels living in the United States, Australia, and Canada. The immigration of people from more eastern parts of Europe to these countries during the latter half of the 19th century and early to mid 20th century could account for much of the Stirzel population outside of Europe.

Given that it is an uncommon name, it is likely much less common today than it was in the past. In Europe, due to the extent of migration throughout the continent, it is not necessarily concentrated in any particular area. Thus, it is likely that Stirzel's are now found equally in all parts of Europe and beyond.

Variations of the surname Stirzel

The surname Stirzel is an occupational surname originating from the Germanic language meaning "tinker" or "jeweler." Variants of the Stirzel surname include Stirzelle, Struth, Struthoff, Struett, Stroupe, Struetz, Stritzl, and Strutzel.

In Austria, thevariants of Stirzel include Strattl, Strudl, Strutzl, Struzel, and Struzle. In Germany, it is Stritzl and Struetzel. As the Frisian language is related to German, several variants are found in the Netherlands, such as Strut, Strutters, and Strupers.

The surnames Strutz and Struel are also derived from Stirzel, usually from both a tinker's tools and the term for "army" or "troop." It is also seen spelled as Stirz, Stritze, Stritzler, and Stritzl.

In the United States, there are many spelling variations of Stirzel, including Strutzel, Struzel, Strozell, Strozelle, Stirzle, Stritzler, Strutzel, Strutsell, Strezell, Strezelle, and Struzzell. Alternative spellings of the surname include Stroozel, Strautzel, Sterzel, Strudel, Struzell, Sturtzel, and Struzelle.

Overall, the surname Stirzel has been used for centuries to denote a tinker or jeweler in Central and Eastern Europe. It has been adapted to numerous variations based on culture and language, making it one of the most unique surnames of the region.

Famous people with the name Stirzel

• Peter Stirzel (born 1949), German footballer
• Joe Stirzel (1918-2008), American Major League Baseball player
• Stephen Stirzel (1966-2011), Czech American artist and architect
• Ruth Stirzel (born 1932), German-American abstract expressionist artist
• Stephan Sturzel (born 1991), German football goalkeeper
• Vladimir Stirzel (born 1967), Czechoslovakian National Figure Skating Champion
• Maria Stirzel (born 1973), Czechoslovakian National Figure Skating Champion
• John Stirzel (born 1959), American basketball coach and former professional player
• Ernestine Stirzel (born 1961), American former professional tennis player
• Carl Stirzel (born 1942), American college basketball coach and former professional player

Other surnames

StirzenbecherStirzl