Surname Zoeller - Meaning and Origin
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Zoeller: What does the surname Zoeller mean?
The last name Zoeller has German roots and traces back to the mid-14th century. It is derived from the Old High German words ‘zeller’ and ‘zellmeister’, both of which are variants of the word ‘zell’ which means ‘cell’.
In the old days, ‘cell’ was used to describe a cellar or other area used to store items such as wine barrels, grain, and fruit. So, it makes sense that the surname Zoeller derived from the people who managed or operated the cellars or storage areas used for such goods.
Often times, the families that had the Zoeller surname were brewers, winemakers, and maltsters. Over the years, the family name Zoeller has spread across the world, though primarily to areas around Germany, Austrailia, and the United States.
The surname has also become associated with several archetypes, such as brewers or winemakers, or with professions or social standings, such as aristocracy or religious leaders.
In modern times, the name Zoeller is a strong and proud signifier of one’s cultural heritage. It is a name that is steeped in history and tradition. Those who carry the Zoeller name are proud and passionate to carry on the strong values, traditions, and customs of their ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisZoeller: Where does the name Zoeller come from?
The last name Zoeller is commonly found in German-speaking countries. In Germany, the name is found in regions such as Bavaria, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. The last name Zoeller is also found in Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. In the United States, Zoeller is a relatively uncommon but growing last name. It is primarily found in Ohio and Pennsylvania, both states with a long history of German and Central European immigration.
The Zøller spelling of the name is particularly common in Norway and is of Danish origin. In England and Wales, the Zoeller last name does not appear to have reached significant numbers; however, it may be found among German-speaking communities among the UK population.
In Canada, the last name Zoeller is most commonly found in Alberta and Ontario, two of the provinces with the highest proportion of people of German ancestry. Other locations in Canada, such as British Columbia, also have populations with the Zoeller last name.
Ultimately, while the last name Zoeller may not be commonly found, it continues to have a presence in many countries across Europe and North America, having spread through immigration and intermarriages in the past centuries.
Variations of the surname Zoeller
The surname Zoeller has several variants and spellings that are all derived from the same origin. One variant is Zöller, which is the German spelling for the same name. This was a common form of the surname as the original spelling is thought to have come from the German language. The surname is also found as Zoller, Zollars, and Soeler.
On English-speaking islands such as the Virgin Islands, the Netherlands Antilles, and Puerto Rico, the surname is often spelled Söeler. This spelling was adopted due to Dutch colonists in the area primarily spelling the name this way. In England, the surname is found as Sower. This is due to early settlers to England arriving from Germany and changing the spelling to fit with the English language.
Outside of Germany, the most common form of the surname Zoeller is Zerler. This variant is found in Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia. It is also the primary spelling of the surname in Hungary where it was interpreted from German settlers.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, Shorey and Shurley are believed to be derivatives of the Zoeller surname. Interestingly, the French Variants Soulier and Souliers come from the same origin as well. It is believed that even the Welsh and Irish versions of the surname, Sollars and Sowles, can be traced back to the name Zoeller.
Famous people with the name Zoeller
- Fuzzy Zoeller: Professional golfer and Masters champion
- Jim Zoeller: Former American football defensive end
- Andrew Zoeller: Professional Dancer and Choreographer
- Christopher Zoeller: Comedian, Actor, and Writer
- John Zoeller: Retired USAF Colonel
- Karin Zoeller: Professional Swimmer and Olympic Silver Medalist
- Hans Zoeller: Austrian Oberlandesgerichtsrat (Supreme Court Judge)
- Masaharu Zoeller: Japanese Broadcasting Correspondent and Writer
- Akiko Zoeller: Japanese Singer and Actress
- Mary Zoeller: American Artist and Painter