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Last Name Iseli

What is the origin of the last name Iseli?

The surname Iseli is of Swiss origin, specifically from the canton of Aargau. It's derived from the village named Islikon, which is located in this region. The name of the village comes from "Isla," a personal name, and "-kon," indicating a settlement or farmstead. The surname Iseli was likely formed when the family lived in or originated from this location. The spread of the surname outside Switzerland occurred primarily through migration events, such as the Swiss Anabaptist movement in the 16th century, which led to a significant number of families settling in Germany and North America.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Iseli

The meaning and origin of the last name Iseli

The surname Iseli is primarily of Swiss origin, specifically from the German-speaking part of Switzerland. It is derived from the occupation name "Eiser" or "Eisler," which means "iron worker." The name evolved over time into its current form as a result of various factors such as regional dialects and transcription errors. As many Swiss families emigrated to other countries, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the surname Iseli became more widespread globally. Today, it can be found in many parts of the world, with a significant number of individuals carrying this name traceable back to their roots in Switzerland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iseli

The surname Iseli is primarily distributed in Switzerland, with a significant concentration in the German-speaking cantons such as Aargau, Thurgau, and Zurich. This surname is also found in the neighboring Liechtenstein, where it represents one of the most common family names. Beyond Europe, there are smaller populations of Iselis in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and the United States, often due to Swiss immigration. In North America, notable concentrations can be found in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia in Canada, as well as in California, Colorado, and Pennsylvania in the United States. These distributions suggest a historical migration pattern from Switzerland to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iseli

The surname Iseli can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include: Isely, Iseley, Izeli, Isolie, and Izeli. These variations may arise from changes in spelling conventions, migration-related misspellings or misinterpretations, and regional dialects. The name originally comes from Switzerland, where it is often spelled as Iseli, derived from the Germanic elements "isal" (ice) and "haim" (home). Over time, it has been adapted to suit different languages and phonetic interpretations in various countries.

Famous people with the last name Iseli

The Iseli surname is notable for its association with several distinguished individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned figures with this last name is Andreas Iseli, a Swiss mathematician who made significant contributions to number theory and algebraic geometry. Another prominent individual is Hans Iseli, a Swiss politician who served as a member of the National Council from 1987 to 2003. In the realm of sports, the Iseli name is known through Simon Iseli, a professional squash player from Switzerland, and Silvia Iseli, a Swiss ice hockey player. Lastly, the late Peter Iseli was an influential New Zealand sculptor, who together with his brother Neil, created the renowned Chalice public artwork in Wellington.

Genealogical research on the last name Iseli

The Iseli surname originates from Switzerland and is primarily found in the cantons of Aargau, Lucerne, and Zürich. The name derives from the Old High German "Isalih," meaning "descendant of Isalo." One notable figure with this surname is Johann Caspar Iselin (1742-1806), a Swiss physicist who made significant contributions to the field of thermometry. In Germany, the variant "Iseel" can be found, and in America, the name has been Anglicized as Iseley or Isele. Notable American bearers include Charles Iseley (1795-1872), an early settler in Ohio who served as a representative in the state legislature, and William Isley (1861-1940), an American artist known for his landscapes and genre paintings. The Iseli/Iseley clan has also produced several notable Swiss politicians and businessmen throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

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