Last Name Sifferlin

The surname Sifferlin is believed to have originated from Germany and Switzerland. It is derived from a place name, specifically "Siefersloch," which is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This place name derives from the Middle High German words "siefer" meaning "sifted" and "loch" meaning "hole." Over time, the name evolved as a surname for individuals who lived near or originated from this area. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins, and further research may reveal different interpretations of the name's history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sifferlin

The meaning and origin of the last name Sifferlin

The surname Sifferlin is believed to have German origins, deriving from various places with similar names, such as Siefersloh and Siefertshausen, found in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse, Germany. It is likely that the name originated from a locality named with the Old High German words "siefer" meaning "barley" or "grain," and "-loh" or "-hausen," indicating a settlement associated with barley farming. Over time, as families migrated, the spelling of the surname evolved to Sifferlin, reflecting variations in pronunciation and regional dialects. The name is less common outside Germany but may be found among German diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sifferlin

The surname Sifferlin is primarily found in German-speaking regions, with significant concentrations in Germany and Switzerland. Historically, it originated from the Rhineland, an area that straddles modern-day Germany and France, suggesting possible migrations or settling by early bearers of this name. In the United States, a notable number of individuals with the Sifferlin surname can be traced back to German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 18th and 19th centuries. The surname also appears in other countries such as Argentina and Brazil, likely due to immigration waves from Germany. In recent times, its distribution has expanded globally due to diaspora and migration, but remains predominantly associated with Germanic cultures.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sifferlin

The surname Sifferlin has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variations include Siiferlen, Syferlin, Zyferlin, Schiffelin, and Schiefferlin. These variations can be found across different regions and countries, particularly in Germany and Switzerland where the name originated. It's important to note that the spelling of a surname may have evolved over time due to factors such as regional dialects, migration, and changes in recording practices. The correct spelling can sometimes depend on historical records and personal family history research.

Famous people with the last name Sifferlin

Notable individuals with the surname Siffrein include:

1. Pierre Siffrein (born 1945), a French astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of stellar atmospheres and spectroscopy. He was the director of the Observatory of Bordeaux in France from 1986 to 2010.

2. Marc Siffrein (born 1964), a French politician who has served as a member of the National Assembly of France since 2017, representing the department of Gers. He is a member of La République En Marche! party.

3. Pierre-Henri Siffrein (1928–2004), a French journalist and political activist who was one of the founders of the weekly newspaper Le Canard enchaîné, known for its satirical and investigative journalism.

4. René-Louis Siffrein (1753–1829), a French Catholic priest and archivist who played an important role in the early years of the French Revolution, serving as the deputy prosecutor of the revolutionary tribunal of Lyon.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including astronomy, politics, journalism, and law.

Genealogical research on the last name Sifferlin

The Sifferlin surname is believed to have German origins, specifically from the region of Swabia. Variants of this name include Zifferlin, Siefferlin, and Sieffertlin. The name is thought to be an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "ziffrin," meaning a numeral writer or clerk. One notable bearer of this name was Wilhelm Sifferlin, a German composer and organist who lived in the 17th century. In America, the name began to appear in records during the 19th century, with a significant number of Sifferlins settling in Pennsylvania and later migrating westward. Notable American descendants include Samuel D. Sifferlin, a businessman and politician from Kansas, and James B. Sifferlin, an architect from Missouri. The Sifferlin family has also been prominent in the Jewish community, with many members immigrating to Israel in the 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "sifferlin"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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