Last Name Zollner

The surname Zollner is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "zolle" meaning toll (a tax or customs duty) and "-er," a suffix indicating an occupational name or nickname. Originally, the name may have been used as an occupational name for someone who collected taxes or tolls, or it could have been a topographic name for someone living near a toll gate. The name can also be found in other forms such as Zollner, Zöllner, and Söllner.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zollner

The meaning and origin of the last name Zollner

The surname Zollner is primarily of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "zole" or "zolle," which means toll or tax, and "-er," a common suffix indicating occupation or place name in Germanic languages. Originally, the name may have denoted someone who collected taxes, or it could have referred to someone living near a tollhouse or tollgate. The name spread from southern Germany, particularly Bavaria, during medieval times as people migrated for various reasons such as religious conflicts and economic opportunities. Over time, variations of the surname emerged in different parts of Europe due to spelling inconsistencies in written records. Examples include Zollner, Solnér, Solné, Sollner, and Solnaer.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zollner

The surname Zollner is primarily distributed across Germany, with significant concentrations in the regions of Saxony, Bavaria, and Thuringia. It's also commonly found in neighboring countries that were once under German influence, such as Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. Smaller populations of individuals with the last name Zollner can be found in various parts of the world due to migration, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, where German immigrants settled over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zollner

The surname Zollner can be found with several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Zolner, Solner, Zollner, Solnér, and Solner-Kohlweg. These variations may stem from regional dialects or historical influences. For example, the "l" may be replaced with an "r" in some regions, resulting in variations like Zoller or Sollner. In certain instances, the surname might also be hyphenated, such as Solner-Kohlweg. It's essential to consider these variations when conducting genealogical research or other applications that require accurate name matching.

Famous people with the last name Zollner

Notable individuals with the surname Zollner include:

1. Wilhelm Karl Otto Zollner (1864-1934), a German physicist known for his contributions to the field of optics, particularly the discovery of Zollner's ring, which is used in the study of polarization.

2. Carl Zollner (born 1960), a German entrepreneur and co-founder of the video game developer Ascaron Entertainment. He was also the founder of the software company dtp entertainment.

3. Paul Zollner (1875-1942), a German architect who designed several notable buildings in Berlin, including the Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe) and the Hotel Adlon.

4. Thomas Zollner (born 1960), a Swiss composer and conductor known for his works in contemporary classical music. He has received multiple awards for his compositions.

5. Johannes Zollner (1834-1882), a German astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of double stars and nebulae, including the discovery of M76, also known as the Little Dumbbell Nebula.

Genealogical research on the last name Zollner

The Zollner surname is primarily of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German "zolle" meaning 'custom' or 'toll' referring to someone who collected tolls. The name may also be associated with 'Zahlen,' meaning 'numbering,' and may have been occupational names for a tax collector or accountant.

The Zollner family can be traced back to the 14th century in regions such as Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria, where many Germanic families originated. Notable figures with the surname include Johann Georg Zollner, a prominent botanist from the late 18th century, and Wilhelm Zollner, a renowned German physicist in the early 20th century.

The family migrated to other countries due to religious and economic reasons, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand during the 19th and 20th centuries. In North America, significant Zollner populations are found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Canada. The name also exists in various forms such as Sollner, Solnér, Solner, or Solner-Tawil due to linguistic evolutions over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zollner"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends