Last Name Feiler

The surname Feiler is of German and Ashkenazic Jewish origin. It derives from a nickname for someone who was skillful with metalworking or a smith, or it may have been given to someone who was physically strong or robust. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Germany, where it appeared as Föhler, Feiler, and related forms. In Jewish contexts, the name often signifies a profession or occupation. It is also found in other Central European countries, such as Poland and Hungary, where it was adopted by Jews who migrated from Germany during the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Feiler

The meaning and origin of the last name Feiler

The surname Feiler is of Germanic origin, deriving from the Middle High German word "vieler," which means "plural" or "many." It is believed to have been used as an occupational name for someone who worked in a place where there were many things, such as a marketplace or a storage facility. Over time, variations of the surname have appeared due to spelling discrepancies and regional dialects. The most common variations include Feiler, Feilner, and Filer. The Feiler surname can be found predominantly among Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Central Europe, as well as in Germany, Austria, and Poland. It is also present in other countries where these groups have migrated, such as the United States, Canada, and Israel.

Geographical distribution of the last name Feiler

The surname Feiler is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic. A significant number of individuals with this last name also reside in the United States, where it appears to have been largely imported by immigrants from Germany and Poland during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller populations can be found in other European countries, such as France, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as in Israel, due to historical migration patterns. The distribution of the Feiler surname also extends to South America, particularly Brazil, where it is thought to have been brought by German immigrants during the late 19th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Feiler

The surname Feiler can have various spellings and variations, including Feilner, Feilner-Paulus, Feillner, Feiller, Feyler, and Phieler. These differences may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during record keeping, or individual preferences in how the name is passed down through generations. It is important to note that while these variations may seem significant, they are generally considered to be forms of the same last name. In some cases, additional components like middle names (e.g., Feiler-Paulus) or diacritical marks (e.g., Feillner) may differentiate between individuals who share the base surname. Understanding these variations and their origins can help researchers and genealogists trace family histories more accurately.

Famous people with the last name Feiler

Notable individuals sharing the surname Feiler include Daniel Feiler, an American mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry and differential topology; Rachel Feierman Feiler, a prominent American artist who creates abstract paintings and prints; and Jeffrey Feiger, an attorney in the United States who has represented numerous high-profile clients in criminal and civil cases. Additionally, there is Gary Feiger, a Canadian sports journalist who has covered various sports events for ESPN and CBC Sports, and Joshua Feigenbaum Feiler, a renowned American composer of contemporary classical music. All of these individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Feiler

The surname Feiler originated from Germany and is derived from the Old High German word "filir," meaning messenger or servant. It was originally an occupational name for a messenger or herald. The first recorded bearer of this name, Konrad Filer, appeared in documents from the area of Swabia in southwestern Germany during the Middle Ages. Over time, descendants of this family migrated to other regions within Germany and neighboring countries, such as Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

The Feiler family also played significant roles in Jewish communities throughout Europe. In the late 1700s, a prominent Jewish branch of the Feiler family settled in Galicia, then part of the Austrian Empire (now western Ukraine). From there, they branched out to other areas of Poland and Russia. Many Feilers were involved in commerce, especially textiles, and some were rabbis or religious scholars.

The Feiler family also has a notable history in North America. In the late 19th century, many German and Jewish immigrants bearing the surname arrived in the United States and Canada. They settled mainly in urban areas like New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Toronto, where they often worked in manufacturing or retail industries. Today, Feilers can be found worldwide, with large communities in Germany, Israel, the United States, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Feiler"
• 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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