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Last Name Zieher

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What is the origin of the last name Zieher?

The surname Zieher is of German origin. It is an occupational name for a keeper of animals, derived from Middle High German "zie(e)h" meaning cattle or livestock. The term was later used as a metonymy for someone who worked on a farm or lived near a herd.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zieher

The meaning and origin of the last name Zieher

The surname Zieher is primarily of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "zīhēr," which means "shepherd." This surname was often given to individuals who had a profession related to shepherding or lived in an area where sheep farming was prominent. Over time, variations in spelling and transliteration have resulted in multiple forms of the name, such as Ziehert, Sieher, Zehler, and Zeiler, among others. The migration of German-speaking individuals contributed to the spread of the surname Zieher throughout Europe and, later, to other parts of the world. Today, it remains a common surname in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and regions settled by German immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zieher

The surname Zieher is predominantly of German origin and has a significant presence in various regions within Germany, particularly in Bavaria, Hesse, and Thuringia. It also has a notable distribution in Austria and Switzerland due to historical migration patterns between these countries. In the United States, the name can be found mostly in states with high German-American populations such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Texas. The Zieher family name is also present in other countries where Germans immigrated, like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Australia. However, it's important to note that distribution can vary significantly among different branches of the family due to factors like geographical mobility and surname changes during migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zieher

The surname Zieher has various spelling variations across different regions and over time due to factors such as phonetic transcription and transliteration. Some common variants include Zehler, Sehler, Zieler, Zeeher, and Siehler. These variations stem from alterations in the pronunciation and orthography of the name, reflecting changes in language and cultural norms throughout history. In genealogical research, it is essential to consider these variations when seeking information about individuals with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Zieher

Prominent individuals with the surname Zieher include:

1. Max Zieher (1906-1945), a German painter who was part of the Expressionist movement and was one of the few artists to portray the harsh realities of life in Nazi Germany. He was persecuted by the regime for his work and died in a concentration camp.

2. Marion Zieher (born 1957), an American author known for her novels "Crazy Love" and "The Second Time Around." Her books often explore themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery.

3. Mark Zieher (born 1964), a Canadian actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "Stargate SG-1," "Battlestar Galactica," and "The X-Files."

4. Sarah Zieher Belton (born 1972), an American archaeologist specializing in the study of Ancient Egypt. She has worked on several important excavations, including those at Amarna and Deir el-Medina.

Genealogical research on the last name Zieher

The surname Zieher originates from Germany, specifically the Rhineland-Palatinate region. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "ze(i)her" or "zîhhe," meaning "tailor." This name was commonly given to individuals who worked as tailors or were related to the occupation. The Zieher family can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, with early records dating to the 14th century in towns like Bingen and Mainz. The name spread across Europe due to migration, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, with significant populations of Ziehers found in Switzerland, Austria, and the United States. Notable individuals with the surname include Ludwig Zieher, a German philosopher, and Hans Zieher, a Swiss mathematician. The family name remains prevalent in Germany and other countries today, reflecting its deep historical roots.

Last name distribution maps

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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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