Surname Zagler - Meaning and Origin
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Zagler: What does the surname Zagler mean?
The surname Zagler is of German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "zageler" which means “carpenter”. Thus, holders of the surname Zagler likely had a family history as skilled carpenters.
Throughout much of the Middle Ages, carpentry was a highly specialized craft and considered a trade worthy of respect. A carpenter’s skills were in high demand, as wood was a primary building material for homes, bridges, aqueducts, machines, and furniture. Some carpenters also served as builders and architectures, creating custom plans and blueprints for elaborate structures.
In Germany, holders of the surname Zagler were likely recognized for their carpentry skills during the 1500s and 1600s. As a result, they often prospered and expanded their trade, leading to the surname’s spread across countries such as Austria, Hungary, and Russia.
Today, the surname Zagler still exists around the world, showing the legacy of craftsmanship and excellence passed down through generations. Many descendants of Zagler families continue to pursue careers in carpentry and the building trades, carrying on the family’s long-standing tradition of expertise and skill.
Order DNA origin analysisZagler: Where does the name Zagler come from?
The surname Zagler is primarily associated with Germany and Austria, as well as some Central European countries such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Slovenia. It is also found in some parts of the United States, particularly in states with large German-speaking populations, such as Texas, New York, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
The Zagler surname originated as a variant of the German surname Zähler, which referred to a type of medieval tax collector. According to some sources, the name is derived from the Middle High German term zalen, meaning "to weigh, measure, or number". As of 2020, Zagler is not among the 400 most common surnames in the United States.
In Germany, the surname is still relatively common and can be found in many of the larger cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. In Austria, the Zagler surname is most frequently found in Vienna, the capital.
Today, the surname is also found in Australia, Canada, and other parts of the former British Empire, as well as in Israel, where many of the bearers are of German-Jewish origin.
Variations of the surname Zagler
The surname Zagler is of German origin and is derived from the word “Zagel” which has a range of related spellings. This surname can be spelled Zagel, Zageler, Zagelmann, Zaegele, Zegele, Zaegerle, Zaegerlein, and Zegerle. All of these spellings evolved from the German word for corner or angle, indicating that the original bearers of the surname were likely involved in a business or trade that utilised corner pieces or angles.
The variability of spelling may be due to the movement of the name across language borders numerous times. Zagler is also found as a first or given name in Europe. In some instances, the spelling could also be a result of the adoption of multiple dialects within its usage over time.
The variants of Zagler have been found in the records of many ancient families, going back to the 1600s. For example, records of Gottlieb Zagelmann, a shoemaker in 1718 who lived in the village of Nicholscourt, Germany, are available.
The spelling Zagler has also been used as an alternate surname, as seen in the records of John Zagler, a baker in 1820 from Baar, Switzerland. It can also be seen in records of various branches of the Zagler family in Hungary, such as the line of Franz Xaver Zagler who was a carpenter in 1870.
The surname Zagler is still very much in use to this day, and can be found in various countries across the world. It can also be acrophonetic or patronymic in origin, with the use of the suffix "-la" or "-er" indicating a child of Zagel or Zag. With so many variants, this surname is an interesting exploration into language history and usage.
Famous people with the name Zagler
- Jack Zagler: an American actor, best known for his roles in the films Almost Famous and Minority Report.
- Samson Zagler: an American film producer and executive producer, best known for his work on the film The Wolf of Wall Street.
- Phill Zagler: an American reality television personality and actor, best known for his appearances on the television series Celebrity Big Brother and The Amazing Race.
- Isromi Zagler: an French-born Canadian actor and former model, best known for his appearances in international films, such as The Affair of the Necklace and X Girlfriends.
- Max Zagler: a German designer, best known for his architectural achievements, such as the design of the shopping center Neue Schloß Neudorf in Basel, Switzerland.
- Raymond Zagler: an American film director and producer, best known for movies such as The Tablet and Struck by Lightning.
- Roger Zagler: an American musician, best known for his performances with the Allman Brothers Band during the 1970s.
- Steven Zagler: an American politician, best known for his membership in the Washington State House of Representatives, representing the 39th district from 2005 to 2012.
- Ephraim Zagler: an Israeli writer and journalist, best known for his columns in the weekly Israeli newspaper Haaretz and his books on a range of topics, including Israeli and Jewish history.
- Georgette Zagler: an American painter and sculptor, best known for her public art installations in and around Dallas, Texas.