Surname Stiel - Meaning and Origin
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Stiel: What does the surname Stiel mean?
Stiel is a surname of German origin. In German, "Stiel" translates to "stalk" or "handle", often referring to the handle of a tool or an implement. This could potentially hint that the original bearers of this surname may have been involved in a profession related to tool-making or crafting. Surnames were often derived from an individual's occupation, place of residence, or physical characteristics during the Middle Ages. Alternatively, it may also refer metaphorically to a person who is tall and slim, similar to a stalk of a plant. However, the specific meaning can vary based upon regional uses and dialects. It's significant to remember that the origins of surnames can be complex and multifaceted, with many going through changes and adaptations over the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisStiel: Where does the name Stiel come from?
The last name Stiel is most commonly found in the German-speaking parts of Europe. Today, it is particularly prevalent in the north-central region of Germany, where it is one of the top 1000 most popular surnames. It is also common in some parts of neighbouring Belgium.
The origin of the name Stiel is German, with the literal meaning of the word being a ‘stalk’ or ‘pole’. In many cases, the surname was likely acquired when an ancestor was living in a rural area and would have been identifiable by their walking-stick or a shepherd's crook.
The Stiel surname is still found in large numbers across Germany today, particularly in the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin. However, it is also well-represented in parts of Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. The name has a relatively low frequency of occurrence outside of Europe, with a small scattering of individuals bearing it in Canada, the United States and in countries further afield.
Variations of the surname Stiel
The surname Stiel has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of these variations include Stiehl, Stieler, Stiell, Stielle, and Steiles. All of these variations are derived from the Middle High German word “stil”, which means “confidence”.
The surname Stiel is of German origin and is one of the oldest surnames in the region. It dates back to the 12th century and was used as a patronymic surname, to signify that the family was related to someone with the given name Stiel.
The most common variants of the surname Stiel include Stiehl, Stieler, Stiell, Stielle, and Steiles. These variants are also found in other European countries such as France, Italy, and Austria.
Other surnames with the same origin as Stiel include Stiller, Stille, Stilz, Stillart, and Staller. These surnames are commonly found among the German Jewish population of the Middle Ages.
There are also derivative forms of the surname Stiel such as Stielland, Stiellnacht, Stiellberg, Stiellingsen, and Stielnhammer. These variant spellings are often difficult to distinguish from the standard spelling.
Regardless of the variant or spelling, the surname Stiel still marks the family’s heritage and is an important part of German history.
Famous people with the name Stiel
- Danny Stiel: a British artist who has been featured in international shows and exhibitions.
- Joe Stiel: an American writer, director, and producer known for projects like Will & Grace and the film Keeping Up With the Steins.
- Ursula von der Stiel: a Swiss engineer and CEO of Google Switzerland.
- Alan Stiel: an Essex-based British singer-songwriter.
- Ismael Stiel: an Andorran footballer who plays in the Spanish fourth division.
- Friedrich Stiel: a German artist who has been featured in renowned galleries around the world.
- Eva Stiel: a German writer and poet known for her collection "Feuerrose".
- Timothy Stiel: an American actor who has appeared in popular shows like Bones and Ghost Whisperer.
- Michael Stiel: a former NFL player for the Detroit Lions.
- Simon Stiel: a Swiss entrepreneur known for founding the start-up "Plated", an online, organic meal delivery system.