Last Name Zeillinger

The surname Zeillinger is of German origin and is derived from a number of possible sources. One possibility is that it originated as a nickname for someone who was quick or agile, derived from the Middle High German "zeilin," meaning "line" or "row." Another possibility is that it comes from a place name in Germany; for example, Zeilinger could be a variant of the surname Seelinger, which originated from the town of Seilingen in the Rhine-Hunsrück district of Germany. However, without additional context or specific family history, it is not possible to definitively determine the exact origin of the surname Zeillinger.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zeillinger

The meaning and origin of the last name Zeillinger

The surname Zeillinger is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Zeile" which means "row" or "file." It may have been an occupational name for a worker who was responsible for arranging things in rows or files, such as a carpenter who worked on long boards. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a straight and narrow piece of land, or a metonymic occupational name for a weaver who used a particular type of loom with straight warp threads, known as "Zeile-weberei." Over time, the surname has undergone various spellings and variants, including Seillinger, Seilinger, and Zieler.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zeillinger

The surname Zeillinger is primarily found in German-speaking regions, specifically Austria and Germany. It originates from the city of Salzburg, where it has been recorded as early as the 16th century. Over time, members of the Zeillinger family migrated to other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Italy, and France, due to historical events such as wars and economic shifts. In recent times, a significant number of people with the surname Zeillinger can also be found in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, where German immigration was prevalent during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, some Zeillinger families have settled in Australia and New Zealand as a result of further waves of migration from Europe in the late 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zeillinger

The surname Zeillinger exhibits several variants and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variations include Seylinger, Zaylinger, Seylnger, Siegling, Zeilinger, and Seyllinger. These variations may stem from differences in spelling conventions over time or translations from other languages. In some cases, the name could also be a derivation from the German word "Seil," which means rope, and "inger" as a suffix indicating occupation, suggesting an original profession related to ropemaking. However, it is essential to note that surnames can have various origins, and the specific origin of Zeillinger might differ in individual cases depending on family history and regional contexts.

Famous people with the last name Zeillinger

Notable individuals with the surname Zeillinger include:

1. Walter Zeillinger (1923-2016), an American physicist and engineer who was a pioneer in the development of rocket propulsion systems, working on both the Atlas and Titan missiles during the Cold War era. He received several awards for his contributions to the field.

2. Christoph Zeillinger (born 1956), an Austrian mathematician known for his work in number theory and Diophantine approximation. He has published numerous papers on these topics and is a recipient of several prestigious mathematical prizes.

3. Franz Zeillinger (1842-1897), an Austrian composer, conductor, and violinist who was active during the Romantic era. He composed operas, symphonies, chamber music, and choral works, and served as director of the Court Opera in Graz, Austria for many years.

4. Markus Zeillinger (born 1983), an Austrian footballer who plays as a defender for FC Liefering and the Austrian national team. He has played in various clubs throughout Europe, including Schalke 04 and Wolfsburg in Germany, and won several titles with these teams.

5. Richard Zeillinger (1932-2016), an American journalist who spent most of his career at ABC News, working as a correspondent, bureau chief, and producer. He covered numerous events, including the Vietnam War, Watergate, and the Iran hostage crisis.

Genealogical research on the last name Zeillinger

The surname Zeillinger originates from Germany and is believed to have derived from various locations named Zellingen or similar variations in different regions of the country. Historical records suggest that the name's earliest known bearer was Wernherus de Zeltingen, who lived during the 13th century in Westphalia, Germany. Over time, numerous branches and spellings emerged as families migrated, with some notable migrations including to Bohemia and later Austria. In the 18th and 19th centuries, several Zeillinger families emigrated from Austria to other parts of Europe, particularly to areas within what is now Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The name's frequency increased in these regions during this period. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, significant numbers of Zeillinger immigrants arrived in North America, with a notable concentration in the United States and Canada. Today, the surname can be found worldwide among populations descended from German and Austrian origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zeillinger"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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