Last Name Schilling

The surname Schilling is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "schilin" which means "shielder," "protector," or "shelter." This name was originally an occupational name for a shield bearer or bodyguard, and it may have also been a nickname for someone who provided protection to others. The name was brought to various countries by German settlers and has since become common in many parts of the world, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, England, and America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Schilling

The meaning and origin of the last name Schilling

The surname Schilling is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "scuhel" or Old Norse "skjollr," both meaning "shield." It was initially used as a nickname for someone who either owned or resembled a shield. Over time, it became a hereditary name, passed down through generations. The surname Schilling is widespread among German-speaking populations and has various spellings including Schelling, Schillinger, and Schäller. Notable individuals with this surname include the Austrian philosopher Ludwig von Mises, the American musician Billy Joel, and the Dutch football player Georginio Wijnaldum.

Geographical distribution of the last name Schilling

The surname Schilling is primarily distributed across Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, due to its Germanic origin. In Germany, it's most prevalent in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Lower Saxony. In Austria, it's found more frequently in Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and Salzburg. The name also has a significant presence in Switzerland, especially in the German-speaking cantons. Schilling is less common but still found in other parts of Europe like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and France. Outside of Europe, there are populations with the surname Schilling in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, largely due to immigration from Germany and Austria over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Schilling

The surname Schilling has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include:

* Schilling (German and Dutch)
* Schillinger (German)
* Schillinge (German)
* Schillings (Dutch)
* Schliling (Alternative spelling)
* Shilling (English translation of the German name)
* Schylle (Old Norse form of Schilling)
* Skilling (Norse and Scandinavian variant)
* Scilling (Anglicized version of the German or Dutch surname)
* Scheling (Alternative spelling in German-speaking regions)
* Shillings (Variant spelling in English)
* Schylleing (Another alternative spelling)
* Shylling (Additional variation)
* Skyle (Phonetic variant of Schylle)
* Schelling (Alternative spelling, unrelated to the surname Schilling)

These variations and spellings may have arisen from errors in transcription or translation, regional dialects, or deliberate alterations over time.

Famous people with the last name Schilling

Prominent individuals with the surname Schilling include:

1. Randy Schilling, an American baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets, from 1986 to 2005. He is a two-time All-Star and won a World Series with the Florida Marlins in 1997.

2. Jeff Schilling, an American football player who played as a quarterback for the University of Michigan Wolverines before being drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He also had stints with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

3. Curt Schilling, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox. He was a two-time World Series champion (2001 and 2004) and a ten-time All-Star.

4. Jamie Schmidt Schilling, an American meteorologist known for her work at various television stations, including KSDK in St. Louis, Missouri. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her weather reporting.

5. Robert Schilling, a German mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of algebraic topology. He was a professor at the University of Regensburg and received numerous awards for his work.

Genealogical research on the last name Schilling

The surname Schilling is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "scuhl," meaning 'school.' This occupational name was given to a teacher or schoolmaster. The name has been recorded in various spellings including Schuling, Schulling, and Schillinger, with Schilling being the most common.

The Schilling family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records showing a Heinrich Schilinck from the town of Hachenburg in present-day Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in 1302. The family migrated to other parts of Europe and the New World during the subsequent centuries. Notable individuals with the surname include Wilhelm Schilling, a German philosopher, and Heinrich Schilling, a German astronomer.

The Schillings are also known for their contributions in various fields such as science, politics, arts, and military service across Europe and North America, making it a widespread and diverse family name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Schilling"
• 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

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