Last Name Seidner

Learn more about the origin of the last name Seidner

The meaning and origin of the last name Seidner

The surname Seidner is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Seidner," which means silk worker or merchant. It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked with silk, such as a weaver or dyer. Over time, this surname spread across Europe, particularly to countries with significant German settlements like France, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe. In English-speaking countries, variations of the name include Seidner, Sednitzky, and Sednitz.

Geographical distribution of the last name Seidner

The surname Seidner has its roots in Central Europe, predominantly Germany and Austria. According to genealogical research, the name originated from the Middle High German word "Seidner," which means silkworm farmer or silk weaver. It is a relatively rare surname, but it can be found across several countries. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals with the Seidner surname resides in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, reflecting German immigration patterns in the 19th century. In Europe, significant populations with this surname are found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name has also spread to various parts of the world due to historical migrations, particularly to countries such as Israel, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Seidner

The surname Seidner has several variants and spellings due to historical transcription errors, regional dialects, and immigration processes. Some common variations include Sedner, Seidner-Feller, Seidnitz, Seydner, and Zeidner. The name's etymology is German and it originates from the personal name "Siegfried" (meaning victorious peace) or "Seite" (meaning side), with the addition of "-er" denoting occupational status, indicating a servant or attendant of someone named Siegfried or related to a side. These variations serve as testament to the name's historical and geographical migration throughout Europe and beyond.

Famous people with the last name Seidner

Notable individuals with the last name Seidner include:

1. Henry Seidner (1927-2013), an American economist and a founder of the field of law and economics. He was a professor at Columbia Law School and authored several influential books in his field.

2. Haim Seidner (born 1945), an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset from 1988 to 1996, representing the Yisrael BaAliyah and Likud parties.

3. David Seidner (born 1947), an American composer known for his works in electronic music, including collaborations with artists such as Laurie Anderson and Philip Glass.

4. Mira Seidler Seidner (1920-1993), a Polish-American artist who emigrated to the United States after World War II and became known for her abstract expressionist paintings.

5. Eric Seidner, a Canadian trade union leader who has served as the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada since 2016. He is also a professor at the University of British Columbia's School of Population and Public Health.

Genealogical research on the last name Seidner

The Seidner surname is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "Sizen" or "Seiz," meaning "servant" or "retainer." It is thought to have been an occupational name for a servant in a castle or fortress. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the Middle Ages, with the first known mention being Hans Seitzner in 1273 in Bavaria.

Over time, variations of the spelling, such as Seidner, Zeidner, and Ziedner, emerged due to differences in transcription and pronunciation across regions. The Seidners immigrated to various parts of Europe and eventually to other continents, with significant populations settling in Poland, France, and England during the Middle Ages.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, many Seidner families emigrated from Germany and Eastern Europe to North America, primarily to the United States and Canada, seeking better opportunities. Today, the highest concentrations of the Seidner family can be found in these countries, particularly in urban areas such as New York City and Toronto.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Seidner"
• 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 : 23 July 2025