Last Name Stiller

The surname "Stiller" has Germanic origins. It is derived from various Old High German words such as stil (still) meaning peaceful or calm, and stiller meaning quiet, silent, or peaceable. The name could have been given to someone who lived in a tranquil area or was quiet or calm in disposition. It may also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a still pond or a place with little flow of water. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied due to regional dialects and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stiller

The meaning and origin of the last name Stiller

The surname Stiller is of German origin, stemming from the Middle High German word "stille," which translates to 'quiet' or 'peaceful'. Initially, it may have been used as a nickname for someone who lived in a quiet place, was calm, or had a peaceful demeanor. The name also has connections to Old Norse and Old English roots, where "still" means 'steady', 'constant', or 'fixed'. Over time, the surname Stiller became more widespread among German-speaking populations, particularly in regions like Bavaria and Swabia. Today, it is found worldwide, with notable individuals bearing the name such as actor Ben Stiller and filmmaker Jonah Hill, who share the same surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stiller

The last name Stiller is predominantly found in Germany and its neighboring regions, primarily due to its historical origin. The name has Germanic roots and is most prevalent in areas with a strong Germanic influence, such as Bavaria, Württemberg, and other southern German states. Additionally, significant numbers of people bearing the Stiller surname can be found in Austria, Switzerland, and the United States, where German immigration played a substantial role in shaping the population. In the United States, many Stillers are primarily clustered in areas with high concentrations of German-American communities, such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Minor populations of people with the Stiller surname can also be found in other parts of Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stiller

The surname Stiller has several variations and spellings due to transliteration and phonetic changes over time. Some common variations include Styler, Stylar, Stieler, Stijlar, Styller, Styllar, and Steiler. These variations mainly result from regional dialects and historical spelling conventions. Another variant is Stailler, which could stem from a different origin or be an alternative pronunciation in some regions. Similarly, the German-language surname Stiel can sometimes be found spelled as Stiller, indicating a potential shared root. It's important to note that these variations may lead to confusion when tracing family history, but they all share a common etymology rooted in professions related to woodworking or carpentry.

Famous people with the last name Stiller

Benjamin Stiller, born in 1965, is an acclaimed American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. He is best known for his work in films such as "There's Something About Mary," "Zoolander," and the "Meet the Parents" franchise, where he also served as a producer. Stiller co-founded the production company Red Hour Productions with his writing partner David Wain. His sister, Amy Stiller, is also an actress, primarily known for her work on television shows like "The Office" and "30 Rock." Benjamin's father, Jerry Stiller, was a veteran actor who gained prominence in later life as Arthur Spooner on the TV series "King of Queens," and was the co-founder of the comedy troupe Stiller and Meara with his wife Anne Meara. Despite their professional success, all members of the Stiller family are well-respected for their dedication to philanthropy and charitable work.

Genealogical research on the last name Stiller

The Stiller surname is of German origin, dating back to the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded instance of the name was found in Bavaria in the 13th century. Initially spelled as "Sti(e)ler," it evolved over time into the current form. The name is an occupational surname derived from the German word "Stieler" or "Stillner," meaning a carpenter who specializes in making or mending wagons and wheels.

The Stiller family migrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in Pennsylvania and other eastern states due to the German immigration wave during those periods. One of the most prominent Stiller descendants is actor Ben Stiller, born in 1965, whose ancestors came from Germany to New York City in the late 1800s.

Throughout history, various branches of the Stiller family have established themselves in other countries such as Canada and Australia, further expanding the genealogical tree. Despite its widespread dispersal, research on the Stiller surname continues to uncover connections and shared ancestry among its numerous branches.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stiller"
• 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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