What is the origin of the last name Stoll?

The surname "Stoll" has German origins and is derived from the Middle High German word "stol(l)e," which means "bench" or "seat." It was often an occupational name for someone who made or repaired benches, or a topographic name for someone who lived near such a feature. The name may also have been used as a nickname for someone who was stout or heavyset.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stoll

The meaning and origin of the last name Stoll

The surname Stoll is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "stol," which means "bench" or "seat." It was originally an occupational name for someone who had a seat or place set aside for them in a market, workshop, or public gathering. Over time, it also became a metonymic occupation name for someone who made benches or seats. The name spread throughout Germany and neighboring regions during the Middle Ages as people migrated and settled. It is now found widely distributed among German-speaking populations worldwide, with variations such as Stolle, Stölli, Stoller, and Stolling.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stoll

The surname Stoll is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, where it is among the most common surnames. Its distribution extends to neighboring Austria and Liechtenstein as well. The name also has a presence in other European countries with significant German populations, such as Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. In North America, the highest concentrations of individuals with the Stoll surname are found in the United States, primarily in states with large German immigrant populations like Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, and California. A smaller number of Stolls can also be found in Canada. Overall, the Stoll name demonstrates a strong historical connection to Central Europe, but its geographical distribution has expanded significantly due to migration patterns over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stoll

The surname Stoll has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations over time. Some common variations include: Stolle, Stohl, Stohlé, Stöller, Stöhler, Stöll, Stoeler, Stoehl, Stohlman, Stollerich, Stollar, Stolzenbach, and many others. These variations may be found in German-, Yiddish-, or Dutch-speaking families, among others. The name is primarily of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "stolz" meaning proud or haughty. It can also be a topographical name for someone living by a stall or enclosure, or a metonymic occupational name for a maker or vendor of stalls.

Famous people with the last name Stoll

Notable individuals with the last name Stoll include:

1. Katherine Stoll (born 1968), an American meteorologist who currently works for The Weather Channel. She previously worked at CNN and has been awarded two Emmy Awards.

2. Paul Stoll (1944-2017), a German archaeologist, historian, and linguist. He was known for his work on the Celtic languages and cultures of central Europe.

3. Michael Stoll (born 1968), an American economist specializing in urban economics. He is currently a professor at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and has authored numerous papers on housing markets, neighborhood change, and immigration.

4. Steve Stoll (1907-1963), an American baseball player who played for the Chicago Cubs from 1929 to 1945. He was a part of the Cubs' World Series-winning team in 1908 and was inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame in 1987.

5. David Stoll (born 1963), an American anthropologist known for his research on indigenous populations in Mexico and Central America. He has published several books, including "Is Zapotec India? A Comparative Study of Zapotec and Indian Nationalisms."

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, ranging from meteorology to archaeology, economics, sports, and anthropology.

Genealogical research on the last name Stoll

The surname Stoll is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "stal" meaning 'hall' or 'building'. Early records show that the name was prevalent in regions such as Swabia and Baden-Württemberg during the Middle Ages. One notable bearer was Conrad Stoll, a 16th-century merchant from Strasbourg who traded with England and Flanders. The family later migrated to Switzerland, with branches settling in Zurich and Bern. Notable Swiss Stolls include Johannes Stoll (1792-1854), a painter and engraver, and Gottlieb Stoll (1846-1904), a prominent Swiss politician. In America, the name was brought by German immigrants in the 18th century, with significant populations found in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Famous American Stolls include Samuel Stoll, a member of the Ohio State Senate, and Robert Stoll, a chemist who made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. The Stoll family tree is vast, with numerous branches spanning across Europe and America, making genealogical research on this surname an intriguing endeavor.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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