Surname Zier - Meaning and Origin
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Zier: What does the surname Zier mean?
The surname Zier is of German origin and it's derived from the Middle High German word "zierde" which means "adornment" or "ornament." This surname was often used as a metonymic occupational name for someone who made or sold ornamental items, such as jewelry or embroidery. The concept of adornment or decoration can also be linked to the performing arts, suggesting that the name could have been given to someone who was an entertainer or performer. As with many surnames, variations and spellings may have changed over centuries and across different regions.
Order DNA origin analysisZier: Where does the name Zier come from?
The last name Zier is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. Zier is a German last name meaning “ornamental”, and it was most likely adopted by the family at some point in its history. The name may be a form of the Middle High German Ziar, which originally meant “decoration”.
In Germany, Zier is ranked as the 700th most common last name. It is most common in the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, with sizable numbers in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria as well. As of 2009, there were 6,158 people surnamed Zier living in Germany.
In Austria, Zier has been a common name since at least the 17th century. It is most common in the states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Vienna, with small numbers in Burgenland, Styria, and Tyrol. As of 2020, there were an estimated 4,267 people named Zier living in Austria.
Zier is also a popular last name in the United States. According to US Census data, there were 2,228 people surnamed Zier living in the country in 2018. This was a 33% increase from the 2000 census, which showed 1,738 Zier households. The states with the most Zier families include Texas, California, and New York.
Overall, the last name Zier is found most prominently in Germany and Austria, but it is also present in many other countries, including the United States.
Variations of the surname Zier
The surname Zier is of German and Ashkenazi Jewish origins, and is found in many parts of Europe and North America. It comes from the German word ‘Ziere’, which means ornament; it is believed to have been an occupational surname. Variants and alternative spellings of the name include Zier, Zeier, Ziere, Ziereis, Zeireis, Zeireiss, Zeiriss, Zieris, Zieres, Zïer, Ziers, Seir, Sear, Zears and Searce.
Surnames of similar origins which may be related to Zier include Ziers, Ziersen, Zierlein, Zierler, Zeirler, Zirrlein, Zeirle, Ziirle, Zeyrlein, Zierl, Ziermann, Seirmann and Ziemer. This is just a small selection of the many variants and spellings of the same name.
The name can also be found in its Jewish form, with many variations including Zayar, Zayere, Zayerel, Zäyere, Zäyre, Zayrec, Zeier, Zeiare, Zeire, Zeirel, Zere and Zerel.
Over time, the surname has evolved and changed, and today there are many versions of it found in many different parts of the world. However, despite the different spelling and pronunciations, all the variants are connected to the same name.
Famous people with the name Zier
- Christopher Zier: American actor best known for his role as Lance Dryer in the film Little Big League.
- Karl Zier: Austrian filmmaker who directed the feature film A Dog's Heart as well as other short films.
- Stacy Zier: American writer and producer who wrote the screenplays for the films The Big Bus and The Monster Squad.
- Nathan Zier: American photographer who is well-known for his landscape shots that have been used for magazines and public art projects.
- Mike Zier: American Baseball Player who plays for the National League's Arizona Diamondbacks.
- Dasie Zier: American artist and illustrator who is best known for her works in watercolors portrayed as iconic characters from movies, music, and literature.
- Lauren Zier: American fashion designer who is best known for her modern and minimalist design aesthetic.
- Jeff Zier: American tennis coach and actor who is known for his appearances in numerous television shows and commercials.
- Charles Zier: Swiss painter and sculptor who had a passion for landscapes and nature.
- Thomas Zier: Austrian scientist and writer who wrote numerous books and essays on topics ranging from physics to philosophy.