Last Name Siegrist

The surname Siegrist has German origins. It is derived from the Old High German name "Siegfrid," which means victory-peace. This name was borne by a popular heroic figure in medieval Germany known as Sigurd or Siegfried. Over time, the name evolved into various forms, including Siegerich, Siegrich, Siegrist, and others. The "-ist" suffix may have been added to indicate profession or occupation, but it is not clear in this specific case.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Siegrist

The meaning and origin of the last name Siegrist

The surname Siegrist is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "sieg," meaning victory, triumph, or conquest, and "rist," a diminutive suffix indicating a small or young person, thus translating to "little victor" or "young victor." This name was often given to children born after a successful battle or other important event where victory was achieved. The use of the diminutive suffix in surnames was common in Germanic cultures as a way to show affection and endearment towards the child, and it is still prevalent in many German surnames today. The Siegrist name can be found throughout Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other German-speaking regions, reflecting its long history and cultural significance within these areas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Siegrist

The surname Siegrist is predominantly found in Switzerland, where it originates from the German-speaking regions. According to data from FamilySearch, a significant concentration of Siegrists reside in the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, and Bern. The name also has a presence in neighboring Germany, particularly in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Smaller populations can be found in other European countries like France, Austria, and Italy. Outside Europe, the United States is home to a notable Siegrist diaspora, with concentrations in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, likely due to historical immigration waves from Switzerland. Canada and Australia also have smaller groups of people bearing this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Siegrist

The surname Siegrist has several variations and spellings, including Sigrist, Zeigrist, Ziegrist, Sigris, Seygrist, and Ziegrys. These alterations can occur due to differences in regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration or data entry, or personal preference. The original German root of the name is Sieg-rist, where "Sieg" means victory and "-rist" often denotes a tradesman or artisan. In some cases, the name might also be found as Sigridsdotter for female descendants, indicating a female born to a man named Sigrid. These variations demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of names across cultures and time periods.

Famous people with the last name Siegrist

The Siegrist family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of sports, Steve Siegrist is recognized as a professional basketball player who played for teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In the art world, Agnes Denes, born as Agnes Siegrist, is a renowned conceptual artist and environmental activist known for her large-scale earthworks and land reclamation projects. Another distinguished member of the Siegrist family is Karl F. Siegrist, an American economist who served as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology during the Clinton administration. Lastly, in the academic field, James A. Siegrist was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, known for his research on nuclear fusion and plasma physics. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact in their wake.

Genealogical research on the last name Siegrist

The surname Siegrist is of Swiss origin and is believed to have derived from the Old High German word "sigi" (victory) and "rist" (cleft or ridge). Historically, it was primarily found in the canton of Bern, where it is thought to have been originally occupied by farmers who resided near a victory monument or landmark. The earliest known bearer of the name Siegrist appears in records from the 13th century. The family has had various branches throughout Switzerland, with notable lineages in towns such as Thun, Bern, and Zollikon. Some Siegrists migrated to neighboring countries, including Germany, France, and Austria, during the late Middle Ages and early modern period. Today, Siegrist is a relatively uncommon name, with significant populations found mainly in Switzerland, the United States, and Germany.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Siegrist"
• 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

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