Surname Zauner - Meaning and Origin
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Journey Through the iGENEA DNA Test: Discovering the Origin and History of the Surname 'Zauner'
My iGENEA DNA test has led me on a journey through time, revealing the chronicles and hidden narratives of my surname 'Zauner'. Tracing back to the Middle Ages, the Zauners originated in Germany, more specifically Bavaria, with the name linked to individuals involved in the creation or maintenance of fences. The migration trail and genetic mixtures suggest a fascinating story of survival, resilience, cultural blend, and continuous adaptation.
F. Zauner
read moreZauner: What does the surname Zauner mean?
The last name Zauner is of German or Jewish origin. It originated in Austria, and is also found in other Central European regions. The literal translation of the name is "fencer" or "guarded area", referring to an area protected by a fence or a border. The surname suggests that the original bearer of the name was likely a guard or a soldier who worked in a restricted area, such as a castle or some other kind of enclosed fortress.
The German place name "Zauner" also exists, derived from the Austrian city of the same name. This place is located near the Slovenian border in Upper Austria. This suggests that the original Zauner surname may have originated in Austria, and migrated to neighboring countries.
Throughout history, there have been various people who have been associated with the Zauner surname including Jewish religious leader Hayim Fayvish Zauner (1833-1898), and the Viennese-American composer, musicologist and pianist Max Zauner (1893-1974).
In a modern context, the last name Zauner now exists in different parts of the world including Germany, Austria, United States, and other countries. Whether the name originates from a place or from an occupation-based origin, it is a distinctive and interesting last name that has stood the test of time.
Order DNA origin analysisZauner: Where does the name Zauner come from?
The last name Zauner is a German surname, and is most commonly found in Austria, Germany, and the German speaking regions of Switzerland today. The name seems to have derived from the Middle High German word zünder, meaning "igniter" or "matchstick," in reference to a worker in the trade, and is more commonly found in Tyrol and the former German Bohemia.
The Zauner name is still fairly prevalent in Austria today, with over 20,000 people having the surname living in the country as of 2018. There is also a small presence of the surname in Germany, primarily in the southeastern area near Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg. However, there are fewer Zauner’s in Germany than in Austria, with about 12,700 people having the last name as of 2018.
The last name Zauner is less widespread outside of Europe. There is a small presence of the name in the United States and Canada, primarily in the Midwest, but the population of Zauner’s in these countries is much smaller than Europe. In the US, there are only about 450 people with the last name, while in Canada there are only about 50.
Variations of the surname Zauner
The surname Zauner is most likely of German origin. It is thought to be derived from an Old High German word meaning 'farmer'. The different variants and spellings of Zauner that exist include Zauner, Zaunerhofer, Zaunermaier, Zaunerl, Tsauner, Tsouner, Zaunar, Zouner, Zouner and Zownar. These variants are mostly found within Austria and the German-speaking countries, with Zauner being the most prevalent variant found in Austria.
The variants and spellings of Zauner with Germanic roots are also found in other European countries. In Croatia, variants of Zauner include Zauver, Zauverhofer, Zauvermaier, Zauverl and Zauvar, and the Czech variant of the surname is Zouner. In Poland, the variants of Zauner include Zawner, Zawnerhofer, Zawnermaier and Zawnerl.
The surname Zauner is also found in the United States. In America, variations of the surname include Zauer, Zowinek, Zwoner, Zounek, Tsouner, Zouner and Zounek. These spellings of the surname are most likely derived from versions of the surname brought to America by immigrants during the 19th century.
In addition to the spellings already mentioned, Zauner is also found in France as Zonner and in Russia as Zonner. Other phonetic spellings of Zauner include Zohnar, Zonar and Zownar. Despite these different variants, the surname Zauner is believed to be derived from the same Germanic source.
Famous people with the name Zauner
- Mikey Zauner: Singer/Songwriter and lead vocalist in the band Japanese Breakfast.
- Max Zauner: American music producer, engineer, and mixer.
- Joe Zauner: Founder and President of Climb For The Fallen and former Marine Simper Fi Parachutiste and Green Beret operator.
- Andrea Zauner: Austrian professional ice dancer.
- Laura Zauner: Pop culture commentator and stand-up comedian.
- Philipp Zauner: Austrian cross-country skier.
- Johannes Zauner: Austrian politician and Member of the European Parliament for Carinthia.
- Fritz Zauner: Austrian former alpine skier.
- Erich Zauner: Austrian former cross-country skier.
- Michael Zauner: Austrian former biathlete.