Surname Zilles - Meaning and Origin

Zilles: What does the surname Zilles mean?

The last name Zilles is of German and Dutch origin. The name is derived from the Germanic and Dutch word for ‘tiller’ or ‘cultivator.’ The use of the name as a surname is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages when landowners identified themselves by adopting the name of a trade associated with their land holdings, such as farming or winemaking.

In Germany, the Zilles family are likely from either the northern regions of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, or further south in Bavaria. The Dutch version of the name is Zeil, which is more likely to be found in the verses bordering Belgium and Germany.

The Zilles surname is relatively rare, and it is thought that its different spellings, such as Ziells, Ziele, or Zill, are derived from the variants of German and Dutch language. It is also possible that the name may be derived from the Old Germanic Zīllo and Zīlla, which is related to the Latin word for 'yoke', 'jug' or 'pitcher'.

The corresponding name in English is Tilley, or Till. Although they are derived from the same occupational origins, their corresponding spellings are completely different.

The Zilles name is rare and unusual, but its origins bear testament to the skills and landholdings of the family’s ancestors. It is a reminder of the resourceful and labouring lives of people, who, with determination, shaped the destiny of their families and communities.

Zilles: Where does the name Zilles come from?

The last name Zilles is most commonly found throughout parts of Europe. In Germany, the name is especially prevalent, having first been recorded in the 14th century in Lower Saxony. Zilles is also found in Austria, having been carried over from German-speaking regions in the 19th century. It is also common in Switzerland, with records of the name appearing since the 16th century in and around Zurich.

Zilles is also found in the Netherlands, where it was introduced in the 16th century. A large population of the Zilles family can be found in the Netherlands, with the name being especially popular in the province of Friesland. Additionally, there are also few pockets of the Zilles name in Belgium, where it is most well known in the province of Limburg.

Outside of Europe, Zilles can be seen in a few other countries around the world. It is common in countries such as Brazil, the United States and Canada, due to an influx of immigrants from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th century.

In total, the last name Zilles can be found in somewhere around 15 countries across the globe. The name has had a long and eventful history and can now be found in countries across the world.

Variations of the surname Zilles

The surname Zilles is a mostly German patronymic surname originating from the Middle High German word, 'zil'. It is an occupational name for a metalworker; a gold-forger or a worker of other metals.

The most common variants and spellings are Zeiles, Zeilesz, Zeileszky, Zeilesky, Zeyl, and Zeylès.

The Latinized form of Zeiles is Zelles. Other variants include Zeles, Zeyles, Zeylesz, Zeyleszky, Zeylesky, Zil, Zile, Zille, and Zils.

The anglicized versions of Zilles might include Sill, Sills, Zell, Zels, Zele, Zil, Zille, or Zills.

People with the Zilles surname can also be found in other countries. For example, in Italy, one might find Zeilesi. In Poland, the surnames Zeiles and Zilleski are both common. In Hungary, one might trace the Zeileszky surname.

In the United States, it is possible to find the Zeiles, Zeilesky, Zeilesz, and Zeileszky surnames.

The Zilles surname is quite common in Germany and other countries in Europe, and has been passed down from generation to generation. Depending on how the name is spelled, it can lose its meaning as a metalworker. However, the widespread presence of the surname in Europe and beyond is a testament to its longstanding heritage.

Famous people with the name Zilles

• Werner Zilles: was a German neurologist and neuroscientist.
• Jackson Zilles: is an American football player.
• Yannick Zilles: is a German music producer and artist.
• Carsten Zilles: is a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the RWTH Aachen University in Germany.
• Dietrich Zilles: is a German Professor of Roman law and Head of the legal department at the University of Leipzig.
• Kurt Zilles: is a German football player and manager.
• Katherine Zilles: is an American professor and researcher in data science, analytics, and artificial intelligence.
• Elmer Zilles: was a German-American World War I veteran and civil rights leader.
• Paul Zilles: is a retired German sports shooter.
• John Zilles: was an American football player in the 1920s.
• Jutta Zilles: is a German actress.
• Arne Zilles: is a German music producer and DJ.
• Frank Zilles: is a German model and TV host.
• Paul-Leon Zilles: was a German soldier in World War II.

Other surnames

ZilleZillekenZillekens