Last Name Spielberg

The surname "Spielberg" is of German origin. It derives from various place names in Germany, such as "Speyerberg" and "Specerberc", which are derived from the Old High German "spīh" meaning "spear" and "-berch" or "-berg" meaning "hill" or "mountain". The surname could have originated from a person who lived near one of these places or was named after someone from there. The most well-known individual with this surname is Steven Spielberg, an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. His ancestors emigrated from Germany to the United States in the late 19th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Spielberg

The meaning and origin of the last name Spielberg

The surname Spielberg is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "spil" which means "shield" or "protection," and "berg," meaning "mountain." It is a topographical name, indicating that the original bearer resided near a prominent landmark with the shape of a shield. The name first appeared in Germany during the Middle Ages, but it also spread to other European countries through migration and colonization. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Steven Spielberg, an American filmmaker and producer who is considered one of the founding pioneers of the New Hollywood era and has directed critically acclaimed films such as "Jaws," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and "Schindler's List."

Geographical distribution of the last name Spielberg

The surname Spielberg is primarily of German and Jewish origin, with significant distributions in Germany, Israel, and the United States due to historical migration patterns. In Germany, it's most concentrated in regions like Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name also has a notable presence in Israel, reflecting Jewish immigrants from Europe. In the United States, it is particularly prevalent in states with large German and Jewish populations such as New York, Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois. Notably, the renowned film director Steven Spielberg, whose professional success has popularized the name globally, hails from a family of Jewish immigrants from Germany who settled in the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Spielberg

The surname Spielberg has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family preferences over time. Some common spelling variations include Spielberger, Speilberg, Spilberg, and Spielfeld. In German, the name can be translated as "playfield" or "field of play," reflecting its original meaning. The famous film director Steven Spielberg was born with the surname Spielberg, but it is also spelled Spielbergs in some sources, particularly in older publications that may have used a different convention for indicating plural surnames. Additionally, the name can also appear as Schpielberg and its various transliterations from Hebrew or Yiddish, as Spielberg has Jewish roots.

Famous people with the last name Spielberg

Steven Spielberg, an American filmmaker, is the most renowned individual bearing the surname Spielberg. He was born on December 18, 1946, and is considered one of the leading pioneers of the New Hollywood era. Known for his epic films like "Jaws" (1975), "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982), "Jurassic Park" (1993), and "Schindler's List" (1993), which won him the Academy Award for Best Director, Spielberg has made an indelible mark on cinema history. Additionally, his company, Amblin Entertainment, has produced several successful films, further cementing Spielberg's influence in the film industry. Another notable figure with the last name Spielberg is Deborah Klein-Spielberg, Steven's sister, who has made contributions to the field of education.

Genealogical research on the last name Spielberg

The Spielberg surname is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, with roots traced back to Germany and Eastern Europe. One of the most notable bearers of this name is Steven Spielberg, an American filmmaker and producer who is considered one of the founding pioneers of the New Hollywood era in cinema. He was born to a Jewish family in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1946. The surname Spielberg can be translated as "little mountain" or "small hill" in German, which likely reflects its geographical origin in Germany. There are records indicating early instances of the name in Bavaria and later in Prussia during the Middle Ages. The name has also been found among Jewish communities in Poland and Russia throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Spielberg"
• 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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