Last Name Pfleiderer

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pfleiderer

The meaning and origin of the last name Pfleiderer

The surname Pfleiderer is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "pflei-" meaning "to care for or protect," and the suffix "-derer," indicating a profession or occupation. The name was typically given to individuals who held positions such as guardians or caretakers in medieval Germany. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved from "Pfledeirich" in the Middle Ages to its current form, Pfleiderer. The name is primarily found among German-speaking populations but can also be found among German immigrants who settled in other countries, such as the United States and Canada. Notable individuals with this surname include Hermann Pfleiderer, a German mathematician, and Franz Pfleiderer, a German politician.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pfleiderer

The surname Pfleiderer is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Switzerland, due to its origins from these countries. However, it has also been carried by immigrants to other parts of the world, notably North America and Australia. In North America, significant concentrations can be found among the German-American population, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin. In Australia, descendants of German immigrants also bear the name Pfleiderer, with notable populations in New South Wales and Victoria. The distribution suggests a historical migration pattern from Europe to these regions, with the surname continuing to be passed down through generations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pfleiderer

The surname Pfleiderer has several variants and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording methods over time. Some common variations include:

1. Pfleiderer - This is the original German spelling, which translates to "Flederer" or "bat-flyer." It may also be found as Pfleidereit, Pfleidereuter, Pfleidereiter, and other phonetic spellings.
2. Fleiderer - This variant may result from an error in transcription or assimilation of the initial 'P' sound to a simpler 'F' pronunciation over time.
3. Phleiderer - Although less common, this spelling reflects some attempts at anglicizing the name by replacing the German 'f' with a 'ph.'
4. Pfliederer - This variant is found in areas where the name has been adapted to local phonetic rules. The 'd' and 'l' may sometimes be swapped, as in Pliederer or Plidderer, although these are less common than the original Pfleiderer spelling.
5. Fleidereit, Fleideruter, Fleiderreiter - These variants represent attempts to preserve the original German spelling while adapting to local phonetic conventions.

Famous people with the last name Pfleiderer

Notable individuals with the surname Pfleiderer include:

1. Hermann Pfleiderer (1849-1927), a German classicist and art historian who was known for his work on Greek and Roman mythology.

2. Ernst Pfleiderer (1858-1916), a German philosopher, psychologist, and theologian who made significant contributions to the study of religion and religious phenomena.

3. Ludwig Pfleiderer (1870-1944), a German historian who specialized in medieval and modern history. He was a professor at universities in Würzburg and Marburg.

4. Hans Pfleiderer (born 1952), a German journalist, author, and presenter. He is known for his work as a foreign correspondent and his television documentaries on historical and political topics.

5. Michael Pfleiderer (born 1963), a German sociologist and philosopher. He is currently a professor at the University of Konstanz and has published numerous works on social theory, moral philosophy, and religious studies.

Genealogical research on the last name Pfleiderer

The surname Pfleiderer originates from Germany and is found primarily in regions such as Bavaria and Württemberg. It is a occupational name for a supervisor or overseer, derived from the Middle High German "vleiter," meaning "leader" or "foreman." Early records show that the family was established in the area during the Middle Ages, with Johannes Pfleiderer documented as a witness in Bavaria in 1326. The family expanded and migrated throughout Europe, particularly to Switzerland, Austria, and Russia, where many branches of the Pfleiderer family remain today. In America, the surname can be traced back to German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 18th century, later spreading across the Midwest and beyond. Notable individuals with the surname include Hermann Pfleiderer, a Swiss mathematician, and Paul Pfleiderer, an Austrian philosopher. The Pfleiderer lineage continues to grow worldwide, spanning various professions and contributing to diverse communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pfleiderer"
• 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 : 11 June 2025