Last Name Egler

The last name "Egler" has German origins and is derived from a place name meaning "oak glade." It is often associated with the region of Bavaria. Surnames originated as a way for people to be identified by their families or villages, and were adopted during the Middle Ages. In Germany, most last names are either topographic (related to geographical locations) or occupational in nature.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Egler

The meaning and origin of the last name Egler

The surname Egler is primarily of Germanic origin, stemming from the Old High German word "Egil," which means "yew tree." Over time, this name underwent phonetic changes, leading to various spellings such as Eigel, Eegel, and Egler. It is believed that this name was originally a personal name, possibly borne by someone who lived near a yew tree or whose appearance was compared to the sturdy tree. The surname Egler became prevalent in Germany, Switzerland, and neighboring countries, eventually being brought to other parts of Europe and the New World due to migration and colonization. Today, the Egler family name can be found worldwide, though it remains most common in German-speaking regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Egler

The surname Egler is predominantly distributed across North America and Europe, specifically within the United States, Canada, and Switzerland. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals with the Egler surname can be found in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. In Canada, Ontario and British Columbia have a significant number of people bearing this last name. The family origins of Egler are traced back to Germany and Switzerland, which might explain its relatively high frequency in these regions. Additionally, a smaller concentration of Egler can be found in other European countries such as Austria and the Netherlands, indicating possible dispersal from these original areas over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Egler

The surname Egler can have various spelling variations due to differences in pronunciation and recording methods over time. Some common spelling variants of the name Egler include Eglar, Eggler, Eigler, Aegler, Eyglar, and Eyglar. Each of these spellings may be found in different regions or among families with distinct origins. The name Egler is primarily of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name Eigil or Eghil, which means "edge of a world" or "rich in wealth." It's essential to note that genealogical research might uncover additional spelling variants as one explores family history.

Famous people with the last name Egler

Notable individuals with the surname Egler include:

1. **John Egler** (1927-2014), an American botanist known for his work on plant geography, particularly in the Caribbean and South America. He served as the director of New York Botanical Garden from 1983 to 1995.

2. **Ken Egler** (born 1940), an American physicist who made significant contributions to the field of high-temperature superconductivity. He has held positions at Bell Labs and Rutgers University.

3. **Julianne Egger-Egler** (1864-1952), a Swiss artist, was one of the most prominent female painters in Switzerland during her time. She was known for her landscapes and portraits.

4. **Thomas Egler** (born 1970), an American businessman, is the co-founder and CEO of the software company, Fugue. He is also a venture partner at Data Collective DCVC).

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing a diverse range of talents and accomplishments within the Egler family.

Genealogical research on the last name Egler

The surname Egler is of German origin and is believed to have derived from the Middle High German "Eglin," which means "egg liner" or "egg tray maker." This surname is found primarily in Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. In the Swiss canton of Aargau, the name Egler was first recorded in the early 1300s, suggesting a long history within this region. The earliest known Egler immigrants to America arrived in Pennsylvania during the 18th century, and the surname has since spread across the United States. Notable individuals with the last name Egler include William Egler, a prominent American inventor and engineer, and George B. Egler, an early settler of Kansas and member of its territorial legislature. The Egler family tree can be traced back through various branches in Europe and America, showcasing a diverse heritage and history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Egler"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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