Last Name Preisser

The surname Preisser is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "preiz" which means "price," and was often used as an occupational name for a dealer or seller of goods, particularly luxury items such as precious metals, jewels, or fabrics. Over time, variations in spelling have arisen due to differences in local dialects and transcription practices, resulting in forms such as Preiss, Preisz, and Preisler.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Preisser

The meaning and origin of the last name Preisser

The surname Preisser is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German word "preiser," meaning "pricer" or "merchant." Over time, the spelling evolved to Preisser as a hereditary occupation name for merchants or shopkeepers. In the context of family history, it may have been used to denote someone who was engaged in trade, particularly dealing with goods or commodities, often associated with cities such as Frankfurt am Main, Nuremberg, or other significant commercial centers during medieval Germany. This surname's distribution expanded significantly with migration waves from Germany to other parts of Europe and the New World, making it a common name in various countries today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Preisser

The surname Preisser is predominantly of German and Austrian origin, with a significant concentration within these regions. Historically, it emerged as an occupational name for a merchant or trader, specifically one dealing in precious objects, derived from the Middle High German word "preiser" meaning "pricer," "valuer."

In contemporary times, the distribution of the surname Preisser extends beyond Germany and Austria, due to immigration and dispersal. Sizable populations can be found in countries that have historically accepted German immigrants, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and South Africa. In the United States, the highest concentrations are in states with a significant German-American population, like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. However, it's essential to note that the distribution can vary significantly even within these countries due to factors like migration patterns and family relocation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Preisser

The surname Preisser has several variations and spellings, largely due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include Presser, Pressler, Pressar, Prieser, and Priessner. These variations may arise from changes in spelling conventions, errors during migration, or regional dialects. Additionally, the name may have origins in different languages; for example, it is of German origin but could also be found among speakers of Yiddish, Hebrew, or other languages. In summary, Preisser, Presser, Pressler, Pressar, Prieser, and Priessner are some of the variations of this surname.

Famous people with the last name Preisser

Notable individuals with the surname Preisser include:

1. Max Preisser (1907-1942), a German Jewish author and journalist who was murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. His writings, which included novels, essays, and poetry, have since been recognized as significant contributions to modernist literature.

2. Robert Preisser (born 1960), a Swiss artist known for his sculptures and installations. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, and cultural history.

3. Thomas Preisser (born 1985), a German political scientist specializing in the European Union's external relations. He is currently a professor at the University of Sussex in the UK.

4. Stefan Preisser (born 1965), a German violist who has performed with various orchestras worldwide, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. He is also a professor at the Hanns Eisler Music Academy in Berlin.

Genealogical research on the last name Preisser

The Preisser surname is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German 'preiser', meaning 'priest'. Variations such as Priess, Prieser, and Prisser are also found. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name was Heinrich Preiss, who lived in Lower Saxony, Germany during the late 14th century.

In the 17th century, there were several migrations from Germany to other parts of Europe, including Eastern Europe and the Americas. This led to a significant increase in the distribution of the Preisser surname. In Eastern Europe, notable Preissers include Jacob Preiss, a Polish journalist and writer, and Anna Preiss, a renowned Polish poet.

In North America, the Preisser family was among the early settlers in Pennsylvania, with records showing a Johann Preisser arriving there in 1749. Other branches of the family settled in Texas, Ohio, and other states during the 19th century. Today, the largest populations of people with the Preisser surname can be found in Germany, Poland, the United States, and Israel.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Preisser"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends