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Last Name Zuppinger

What is the origin of the last name Zuppinger?

The surname Zuppinger is believed to have origins in Switzerland. It is derived from the Old High German word "zippf," meaning a goat, and the suffix "-inger," indicating someone who comes from or pertains to something. Therefore, it is likely that the name originally referred to someone who lived near a place where goats were kept or who had a profession related to goats. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved over time and may have taken on different meanings or interpretations in different regions and historical periods.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zuppinger

The meaning and origin of the last name Zuppinger

The surname Zuppinger is of Swiss-German origin, derived from a professional occupation or location. It is believed to have been an occupational name for someone who was involved in brewing or selling beer, as 'Zupf' or 'Zupfen' in German means 'to draw', referring to the process of drawing out the wort during brewing. Another theory suggests that it could have originated from a geographical name, possibly referring to a person from a place named Zuppingen in Switzerland. Over time, variations such as Zupinger and Zupfiner evolved due to dialectical differences and familial changes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zuppinger

The surname Zuppinger is primarily found in German-speaking regions, particularly Switzerland and Liechtenstein, due to its historical origins from these countries. In Switzerland, it is most prevalent in the cantons of Aargau, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, and Zurich, reflecting a concentration in western and central Switzerland. The name also appears sporadically in other parts of Germany, Austria, and Italy, suggesting possible migration or dispersal from the original Swiss region. Beyond Europe, there are small communities with individuals bearing the surname Zuppinger in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, largely as a result of immigration waves from Switzerland during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zuppinger

The surname Zuppinger has multiple variants and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Zupinger
2. Zuppigner
3. Zupinger-Hermann
4. Zuppinger-Sulzer
5. Zupingar
6. Zupinger-Tschudi
7. Zuppinger-Wetter
8. Zuppinger-Wolfer
9. Zuppinger-Zimmermann
10. Zuppigner-Hermann
11. Zuppinger-Sulzer-Kraut
12. Zuppinger-Tschudi-Müller
13. Zuppinger-Wetter-Fischer
14. Zuppinger-Wolfer-Meier
15. Zuppinger-Zimmermann-Oeri

These variations may originate from different branches of the same family, or they could be separate families with similar names. The surname Zuppinger is most common in Switzerland.

Famous people with the last name Zuppinger

Notable individuals with the surname Zuppiger include:

1. Ernst Zuppiger (1923-2016), a Swiss artist and designer known for his work in textile design, including creating patterns for the Swiss national flag.

2. Fritz Zuppiger (born 1950), a Swiss former professional footballer who played as a defender and won several championships with FC Basel and Grasshopper Club Zurich.

3. Jürg Zuppiger (born 1963), a Swiss politician who has served in the National Council of Switzerland since 2015, representing the Green Liberal Party.

4. Paul Zuppinger (1907-1984), a Swiss film actor who appeared in over 100 films between 1939 and 1974.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as art, sports, and politics within Switzerland.

Genealogical research on the last name Zuppinger

The surname Zuppinger originated from Switzerland and is primarily found in the canton of St. Gallen. It is derived from an occupation meaning "cheese maker" or "butcher." The earliest known record of this family was Conradus Zuppingeir, who lived in 1304, located in the town of Gams. Over the centuries, the Zuppinger family spread to other parts of Switzerland and Germany. Notable members include Johannes Zuppinger (1506-1574), a Swiss Reformation leader, and Jakob Zuppinger (1893-1962), a prominent Swiss architect. The name also appears in Austria, where it is sometimes spelled as Zupinger or Züpfer. Today, descendants of the Zuppinger family can be found worldwide due to immigration, particularly to North America and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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