Last Name Griessner

The surname Griessner is of German origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone who was known as a noisy or grating person, from Middle High German "greisen" meaning to creak, crackle, or grind. This name was common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and was brought to other parts of Europe and the Americas by German settlers.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Griessner

The meaning and origin of the last name Griessner

The surname Griessner is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German "grīzzen" meaning 'to grow gray' or 'gray-haired'. The name was originally a nickname for someone with prematurely gray hair or a person who wore clothes of a gray color. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in Germany and other regions where German immigrants settled. Variants of the name include Griessner, Grisser, Grissner, Greiser, and similar spellings, reflecting variations in regional pronunciation and transcription over centuries. The name is most prevalent in regions of Germany such as Bavaria, Hesse, and Saxony.

Geographical distribution of the last name Griessner

The surname Griessner is predominantly distributed across Central Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, due to its origin from these regions. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the southern states such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony, reflecting a historical concentration of Germanic tribes and subsequent settlement patterns. In Austria, it can be found primarily in the eastern provinces like Burgenland and Lower Austria. The name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe such as Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, suggesting possible migration or dispersal over time. In North America, the Griessner surname is mainly present in the United States, primarily in states with a high German immigrant population like Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, California, and Wisconsin. The name's global distribution reflects both historical migration patterns and the influence of Germanic settlement on these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Griessner

The surname Griessner has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Grissner, Greissner, Griesseker, and Grießner. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic transcriptions, or historical influences. In German-speaking countries, the name is most commonly spelled as Grießner, while other variants are more prevalent in regions where descendants of German immigrants have settled. It's important to note that the specific variant may carry regional or familial significance and can be a valuable clue for family history research.

Famous people with the last name Griessner

Notable individuals with the surname Griessner include:

1. Johann Ludwig Griessner (1764-1836), a German painter and engraver, known for his contributions to botanical illustration.
2. Hans Griessner (born 1956), an Austrian football coach who has managed several European clubs and the Austrian national team.
3. Paul Griessner (born 1970), a German musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the co-founder of the band Rammstein.
4. Christian Griessner (born 1965), a German entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of several successful companies, including Trivago and GetYourGuide.
5. Lieselotte Griessner (1930-2022), an Austrian actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career.
6. Wolfgang Griessner (born 1948), a German geologist, researcher, and university professor specializing in the field of meteoritics.
7. Stefan Griessner (born 1971), a German entrepreneur and investor, known for co-founding the online marketplace Idealo.
8. Michael Griessner (born 1965), an Austrian musician and composer, best known as the founder and conductor of the Vienna Boys Choir.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as art, sports, music, business, and science, demonstrating the versatility and accomplishments associated with the Griessner surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Griessner

The surname Griessner originates from Germany and is a variant of Grissner, which is derived from an occupational name for a grinder or miller. The name's earliest records date back to the 14th century in regions such as Bavaria and Swabia. One notable bearer was Johann Griessner, who served as a mayor of Nuremberg in the 16th century.

The Griessner family migrated to various parts of Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, with significant populations settling in Switzerland, Austria, and Scandinavia. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Griessners emigrated from Germany and other European countries to North America, primarily to the United States and Canada.

In North America, the Griessner family has made significant contributions in various fields such as business, politics, and academia. Notable figures include Albert Griessner, a prominent politician in Saskatchewan, Canada, and Friedrich Griesseker, an influential German-American entrepreneur and philanthropist. Today, the Griessner family can be found worldwide, with notable concentrations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, North America, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "griessner"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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