Last Name Fesler

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fesler

The meaning and origin of the last name Fesler

The surname Fesler is of German origin, derived from various place names in Germany, most notably Feßle or Feßling, located in the regions of Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria. These locations are named after the Old High German word "fassel," meaning "basket" or "net." The name may have been initially used as a nickname for someone who was skilled at making baskets or nets, or it could have been an occupational surname for someone who lived near such a place. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved due to various historical and linguistic factors, with Fesler being one such variation. The name is primarily found in North America and Western Europe, particularly in regions where German immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fesler

The surname Fesler has its origins in Germany and is primarily distributed in the regions of Bavaria and Saxony. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the United States, the name has a notable presence, particularly in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Indiana, which reflect German immigration waves during the 1800s. Smaller populations of Feslers can be found in Canada, primarily in Ontario and Manitoba, likely due to similar migration patterns. In Australia, it is most common in the state of New South Wales, again pointing towards German immigrants who settled there. The name's geographical distribution thus reflects historical migration patterns of German speakers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fesler

The surname Fesler can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Feesler, Fiesler, Vesler, Veisler, Veesler, and Fiesleir. These variations may have originated from misspellings or regional dialects during the migration of people bearing this name. It is also important to note that the name could potentially be derived from different ethnic origins, such as German, Jewish, or Slavic. The German variant likely derives from the word "Vogel," meaning bird, while the Slavic version may come from words related to "slime" or "mud." The Jewish origin is less clear, but some speculate it could be a variant of other Jewish surnames like Feldman or Felder.

Famous people with the last name Fesler

Notable individuals with the surname Fesler include:

1. Paul Fesler (1907-2003), an American historian who specialized in modern German and Austrian history, best known for his work on the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. He authored several influential books, including "The Holocaust in East Prussia: Masacre and Ethnic Cleansing in World War II."

2. Edward Fesler (1916-2005), an American artist who was a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement. His work was included in many important exhibitions, such as the 1953 Kootz Gallery exhibition that featured other leading abstract expressionists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.

3. David Fesler (born 1946), an American computer scientist known for his contributions to computer graphics, especially in the field of real-time rendering. He has held prominent positions at Lucasfilm's Graphics Group, Pixar, and Adobe Systems.

4. Lisa Fesler (born 1960), an American actress who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "Melrose Place," "Seinfeld," and "The X-Files." She is also a published author of children's books and has worked as a screenwriter.

Genealogical research on the last name Fesler

The surname Fesler is of German origin, derived from various place names throughout Germany, particularly regions like Swabia and Franconia. The name is thought to be a habitational name from places named Feßlein or Vesslen in Bavaria. The earliest recorded spelling of the family name appears to be that of Conrad Fesler, born in 1492 in Germany. Throughout history, notable individuals with the surname Fesler emigrated from Germany to the United States, starting in the late 1700s and early 1800s, primarily settling in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Notable Feslers include George W. Fesler, a U.S. Army general who served during the Mexican-American War, and Thomas Fesler, an American football coach at the collegiate level. The family lineage of Feslers has continued to grow with generations in North America and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fesler"
• 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 : 27 July 2025