Surname Zirfass - Meaning and Origin

Zirfass: What does the surname Zirfass mean?

The last name Zirfass is from a German-Jewish origin and it is most commonly found in Germany and the United States. The meaning of the name is "memory" and it is derived from the German words “zi” (memory) and “fahren” (to travel).

This surname likely originated from people who traveled frequently, as the meaning suggests. It could refer to a family that traveled from place to place, or perhaps one that moved from the European continent to the United States.

The surname can be both a given name and a surname. As a given name, it typically serves as a reminder of a journey or an event. In the United States, the Zirfass name is fairly common in places such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and California.

The family name of Zirfass has a symbolic meaning of connecting memory and travel, keeping the family connected to the events of the past and the journey they have taken. It can offer a sense of identity unique to each family.

For people of Jewish ancestry in Germany, the surname also likely had a spiritual significance, with “mem” meaning “memory” and “fahren” standing for “travel” in the ancient Hebrew language. Perhaps in modern times Zirfass can serve as a reminder of where we have come from and the journeys our ancestors took to get us to where we are today.

Zirfass: Where does the name Zirfass come from?

The last name Zirfass is most commonly found in Germany today. It has been widely distributed throughout the country since the early 20th century when people with this surname emigrated from Austria-Hungary. The majority of people with the Zirfass surname are concentrated in the states of Bavaria and Northrhine-Westfalia, but the surname can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of Germany as well.

Today, many people with the Zirfass surname trace their roots back to the small, mountainous region of Thuringia in the central part of Germany. Families with the name were known to be living in this region since the 1600s, though some lists of family names even date back as far as 1300. Zirfass families can be found in many small towns and villages in this part of the country, as well as in larger cities such as Munich, Berlin and Hamburg.

Throughout its history, the Zirfass surname has also been found in several other German-speaking countries such as Austria, Hungary, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It has also been known to be found in the countries of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire such as Slovakia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, some families with the Zirfass surname emigrated to other German-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and South Africa.

Given its history, it is obvious that the Zirfass surname is steeped in German heritage, but its presence can still be felt all over the world.

Variations of the surname Zirfass

The surname Zirfass has several different variants and spellings, some of which are interchangeable. These versions include Zerfass, Zerfueller, Zierfuss, Ziefuss, Ziefuß, Zifass, Zeerfusser, and Zeerfueser.

Zirfass is likely a German or Ashkenazi Jewish surname. The root of the name is likely the Middle High German word 'zerefus' meaning 'submissive' or 'attentive'. The Middle High German -fus ending is sometimes combined with the suffix -e to form a patronymic, suggesting that the Zirfass surname is based on a root from an ancestor's name.

The variant spellings of Zirfass, including Zerfass, Zerfueller, Ziefuss, and Zeerfueser are all derived from the same root. The 'Zer' spelling is often used in Austria, while Zeer is used in some Switzerland locations. Ziefuß is a German version, and Zierfuss is likely derived from the many German sub-dialects.

The surname Zirfass is spread throughout Europe, and has been found in records in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is often found in edits as a combination of the different variants, such as Zeerfusser and Ziefuss. Regardless of the spelling, all of these variants are ultimately derived from the same root.

Famous people with the name Zirfass

• Jonathan Zirfass: an American comedian and actor.
• Simon Zirfass: director of photography and camera operator on several television shows.
• Katarina Zirfass: Austrian curler.
• Barbara Zirfass-Schroll: Austrian civil servant.
• Gideon Zirfass: studied at the University of Vienna and was a registered lawyer.
• Gely Zirfass: professional athlete from Argentina.
• Olaf Zirfass: German architect.
• Henry Zirfass: German entrepreneur who owned an optometric practice.
• Fritz Zirfass: German actor and one of the original members of the Berliner Ensemble.
• Amelie Zirfass: food blogger from Germany.

Other surnames

Zirfas