Last Name Zeiler

The surname Zeiler is believed to have originated from various regions in Germany and Austria. It is derived from the Middle High German word "zêle" which means "furrow" or "plow ridge". This name was originally an occupational name for a plowman, farmer, or someone who lived near a furrow. The name may also have been a topographical name for someone who lived by a long narrow field or strip of arable land. The spelling variations of the name include Zeiler, Zieler, and Siebler.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zeiler

The meaning and origin of the last name Zeiler

The surname Zeiler originates from Germany and is derived from the Middle High German word "zeile," meaning row or file. It was originally an occupational name for a person who worked as a mason, laying bricks or stones in straight rows. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone living near a straight line of trees or buildings. The surname Zeiler has variations such as Zeilerin, Zeilner, Zeilnerin, and Zeller, and is common among German-speaking populations in Europe and North America. Notable individuals with this surname include the Swiss artist Caspar Zeiser, and the American author and historian Thomas Zeiler.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zeiler

The last name Zeiler is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly in Germany and Austria, due to its origins from these areas. Variations such as Seiler, Ziehr, and Zehr also exist. It has also spread to other countries due to migration, notably the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, where descendants of German immigrants have settled. The highest concentrations of the surname Zeiler outside Germany and Austria are found in these countries, particularly in the Midwestern states of the U.S., such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zeiler

The surname Zeiler has several variations and spelling alternatives. These include Zeyler, Seyler, Seyler-Gaylord, Zeiler-Bentz, Seylar, Zeylar, and Zehler. Each variation may have originated due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, or family lineage. The name is of German origin, derived from the occupation of a zeyler or seyler, a person who was a sawyer or a miller, due to its association with watermills and sawmills.

Famous people with the last name Zeiler

The Zeiler family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is John Zeiler, an American linguist and anthropologist who specialized in African languages and cultures. He was a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for over 40 years. Another significant figure is Thomas Zeiler, a Canadian mathematician known for his work in algebraic geometry and representation theory. He has held positions at institutions like Princeton University and the University of California, Berkeley. In sports, Michael Zeiler, an American football offensive lineman, played for the National Football League's Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. In entertainment, Toby Zeilinger, also known as Tone Loc, is a popular American rapper who rose to fame in the late 1980s with hits like "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina." Lastly, Paul Zeiler, a Swiss businessman, served as CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG from 2006 to 2013.

Genealogical research on the last name Zeiler

The surname Zeiler originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German "zelare," meaning "to cultivate" or "to till." It was originally an occupational name for a farmer or gardener. The Zeiler family can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, with records showing the existence of the name in various regions of Germany. One notable early Zeiler was Konrad Zeiler, who lived in the 15th century and served as the mayor of Nuremberg. The Zeiler family migrated to Switzerland during the 17th and 18th centuries and later spread to other parts of Europe, including France, Austria, and the United States. In the United States, the name is most concentrated in Pennsylvania due to German immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable American Zeilers include John Zeiler, a prominent politician from Wisconsin, and John William Zeiler, an influential Lutheran clergyman.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zeiler"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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