Last Name Stoessel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stoessel

The meaning and origin of the last name Stoessel

The surname Stoessel is of German origin, derived from various places named "Stossel" in Germany, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word "stossel," which means "thorny thicket" or "hedge." The name could have been given as a topographic name for someone who lived near such a thorny area, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who worked with hedges or thorns.

Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved due to variations in transcription and translation, leading to different forms like Stoesel, Stoessler, and Stossel. The surname Stoessel is most common in Germany but can also be found among German immigrants in other countries, particularly in the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stoessel

The surname Stoessel is predominantly found in Germany and its surrounding regions due to its Germanic origin. Variations such as Stössel and Stoessl are also common within the country. Outside of Germany, significant populations bearing this last name can be found in Argentina and other South American countries, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, where it is thought to have been brought by German immigrants during the 19th century. Smaller clusters of people with the surname Stoessel are also present in the United States, primarily in areas with a high concentration of German-American communities, such as Pennsylvania and Texas. Additionally, some individuals with this last name can be found in Switzerland and other European countries due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stoessel

The surname Stoessel has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Stossel, Stoessel, Stössel, and Stoesel. These variations arise from alterations in spelling based on regional dialects, handwriting styles, or historical conventions. Additionally, the name may also have been transliterated differently when immigrants brought it to countries outside of Germany, where it originated, such as the United States or other English-speaking nations. Despite these variations, the underlying root of the surname remains the same, derived from a Germanic personal name composed of the elements "Stot," meaning stubborn, and "hild," meaning battle or strife, thus implying a warrior with strong character.

Famous people with the last name Stoessel

Notable individuals with the surname Stoessel include:

1. Ariana Stoessel (born 1997): An American actress and singer best known for her role as Rebekah Vega on the Disney Channel's "Jessie" and its spinoff "Bunk'd." She also released her debut pop album, "Still the Same," in 2015.

2. Simone Stoessel (born 1996): A Swiss tennis player who has won three WTA singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 32 in 2018. She represented Switzerland at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

3. Daniel Stoessel (born 1975): A Chilean professional footballer who played as a forward for clubs such as Colo-Colo, Atlético Nacional, and Everton, among others. He was part of the Chilean national team that won the Copa América in 2015.

4. Thomas Stoessel (born 1968): A French neuroscientist who specializes in understanding how neural circuits process sounds. He is currently the head of the Laboratory of Auditory Neuroscience at the Collège de France.

Genealogical research on the last name Stoessel

The surname Stoessel originates from Germany and is derived from various place names throughout that country. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name was in the Rhine Province during the mid-17th century. The family is believed to have migrated from their homeland to Switzerland, France, and then later to North America. In the United States, the Stoessel family settled primarily in Pennsylvania and later expanded to other states such as Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri due to westward expansion. Notable figures with the surname Stoessel include American violinist and composer Carlos Johan Stoessel and French-Canadian actress and singer Celine Dion, who is actually of Swiss descent but may be distantly related through shared ancestry. The Stoessel family tree exhibits a rich history, tracing back to Germany, with branches now spread across North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stoessel"
• 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