Surname Zollner - Meaning and Origin
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Uncovering the Unexpected: The Zollner Story Through iGENEA DNA Testing
I embarked on a quest to delve into my ancestral past, focusing particularly on my Zollner lineage. With the help of iGENEA DNA testing, I uncovered several unexpected insights - from an origin in Central Asia to a lifestyle filled with adventure and exploration. These newly discovered aspects of my family history have not only changed my understanding of my heritage but have also inspired me to explore more about this unexpected past.
F. Zollner
read moreZollner: What does the surname Zollner mean?
The last name Zollner is an occupational German surname and can be traced back to towns from Bohemia (now parts of the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany) in Central Europe. It is derived from the Middle High German word “zōlviner”, which literally translates to ‘the one who collects (customs) duties’. It is believed that the Zollner surname was originally derived from the Latin “accolus”, meaning a tax collector.
The surname Zollner is quite old, with the earliest known person having the last name dating back to the 13th century. Throughout history, it is believed that people with the surname Zollner made their career in collecting taxes or customs duties. However, today, the surname Zollner is not connected to any particular profession and is used as a surname only.
Over the years, the Zollner surname has spread to other countries and continents. Examples include the United States, Canada, Australia, and historic European countries such as Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia.
The lineage can also be found in royalty. They have been documented to be related to several noble families since ancient times, especially amongst various medieval Romanesque and Baroque houses.
The Zollner surname is still a popular last name in Europe and beyond and is an undeniable part of genealogical and European culture.
Order DNA origin analysisZollner: Where does the name Zollner come from?
The last name Zollner is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. The name is derived from the German word "zoll" which translated means tolls, taxes or customs. It was likely adopted by someone working as a collector of taxes or customs, and as the surname spread, it became common in many of the Germanic countries, particularly throughout the Holy Roman Empire and surrounding regions. In modern times, the name can still be found scattered throughout Germany and Austria, particularly in Bavaria, Saxony, and a few other regions. Additionally, due to immigration, many people with the Zollner surname have also spread to countries and regions such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and much of Europe. It can sometimes be seen spelled Zöllner, Zöllnerin, Zoellner, and Zollnerin.
Variations of the surname Zollner
The surname Zöllner is a German occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word “zolner,” which is a variant of “zunner” meaning “carter.” The surname is most common in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. There are a few variants in English spelling; these include Solner, Zoller, and Soller.
In terms of alternate spellings of the surname, the two most common are Zöllner and Zollner. German pronunciation of the latter involves a slightly rounded pronunciation of the “LL” and a slight change in the ending of the name to an “er” sound.
The various surnames that are the most closely related to the Zollner surname come from a variety of sources. These include Söllner, Söllnner, Söllinger, Solinger, Solingerr, Sollinger, Söllinger, Sollnner, Sölner, Zollinger, Zöllinger, and Sollner. The last of these is the most likely variant to be encountered outside of German-speaking countries.
In terms of surnames that are related to Sollner, the primary ones in English are Soller and Solner. Although often confused for Zollner, Soller/Solner are derived from the German word “soll,” meaning “duties.” The Soller/Solner surname was likely established by medieval professional tax collectors.
Finally, it should be noted that some Zollner and Soller/Solner surnames may be confused with another German surname, Zellner/Celler. This is largely because the pronunciation in German of both surnames is identical, so they are easily confused by those who are unfamiliar with the different spellings.
Famous people with the name Zollner
- Ferdinand Wilhelm Franz Zollner (1834 − 1882): German astronomer and physicist.
- Friedrich Zollner (1834–1902): German physicist who formulated theories on magnetism, static electricity and optical illusions.
- Wilhelm von Zollner (1839–1883): German astronomer and author of a popular treatise about astronomy.
- Daniel Zollner (1867–1937): German archaeologist primarily known for his work on Assyrian and Babylonian civilizations.
- Julius Zollner (1887–1975): German chemist and neurologist who developed the Zollner illusion.
- Andreas Zollner (born 1965): German entrepreneur and business executive.
- Florian Zollner (born 1959): German composer and musician who won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for his soundtrack for Melvin and Howard.
- J.J. Zollner (born 1956): pseudonymous American author best known for his Crossroads series of paranormal thrillers.
- Fabian Zollner (1890–1974): Austrian ophthalmologist and professor of ophthalmology at the University of Vienna.
- Carl Zollner (1784–1869): German horticulturist and plant collector.