Surname Christl - Meaning and Origin
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Christl: What does the surname Christl mean?
The last name Christl is of German origin and is believed to be derived from a nickname for someone who featured a strong Christian faith. It may be derived from the Germanic term ‘Kristall’ which literally means ‘crystal’ and would reference the ‘clear’ faith of someone. It could also come from the Old High German name ‘Christoffel’ which means ‘bringer of Christ’ or it may originate from ‘Kristan’, another old Germanic name meaning ‘follower of Christ’.
The family coat of arms for the Christl surname was adopted from mediaeval times and today appears as a golden shield with a red diagonal band flowing from the upper right to the lower left corner of the shield. A warrior with a sword stands thrown around the arm wielding it.
Christl is today most commonly found in the regions of Austria and Germany, although it has spread worldwide due to migrations and immigration. It is popular as a given as well as a surname. It is ranked as the 2,193rd most common surname world-wide though it remains very common in the regions of origin.
The christian values instilled in the last name bearer are reflected in the motto: ‘Symplegaden prophetic – Character endures’, which translates to ‘Crystals are prophetic – Character endures’. This indicates that those who carry the Christl name are likely to be strong-willed and independent, relying firmly upon their own judgement.
Order DNA origin analysisChristl: Where does the name Christl come from?
The last name Christl is most commonly found in the countries of Germany and Austria. Records of the name extend back to the Middle Ages in these areas, suggesting an elite origin. During this time, many names related to Christianity or the Church began to be used.
The last name Christl is likely derived from the German form of the name "Christian," which can be translated to "follower of Christ." This name easily spread with Christianity and the associated culture and language through Europe and beyond.
In modern times, this surname is still used in Germany and Austria, though it is not as widespread as it was in the Middle Ages. Records suggest that the most prevalent areas where this name is found include the major cities of Vienna, Munich, Berlin, and Zurich.
Furthermore, records of the last name Christl can be found among German immigrants to the United States, as well as among later generations of their descendants. The most concentrated areas of the United States with the highest prevalence of the name include California, Texas, Illinois, and New Jersey. Given the long-held prevalence of the surname and its status following German immigration, it’s possible that the name may continue to exist in many parts of the world today.
Variations of the surname Christl
Christl is a German surname, and is a variant of the name Cristel or Cistel, which was likely derived from the Latin word, 'christellus' meaning 'little Christian'. The surname was first found in Bavaria, where it was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area.
Variations of the name Christl include Christel, Krissel, Christl, Kristall, Krustel, and Chrystel.
Aside from the German origin, the surname Christl has variations in French, Italian and Spanish origins. In France, the surname is spelled either Christelle or Crystelle. In Italian, it is Cristalli, Cristelli, or Cristallo. Lastly in Spanish, the variation is Cristal or Crystel.
The different spellings of the surname Christl has also created many variations in surnames as well. Some of the names which originate with Christl include Christle, Kristel, Christli, Cristelli, Cristello, Crystal, Crystel, Crystall, Cistel, and Cistle.
No matter which way the surname is spelled, Christl or its variations all usually refer to someone of Christian faith.
Famous people with the name Christl
- Bettina Christl: Austrian actress, best-known for featuring in the comedy-drama series Networks Wendefurth and Heimatlyrik, and for playing a supporting role in the romantic comedy film Er ist wieder da.
- Jean-Christl Ruffinelli: LUMA Foundation Team Member, Designer and Consultant, best known for his involvement with Life from the Loft and the creation of the Compostela Pavilion for the 2017 Design Week Mexico.
- Waltraud Christl: Austrian skiing legend, best known for being the first skier to win the Hahnenkamm World Cup Race in 1960, as well as being the first Austrian skier to win both the Women's World Cup downhill and slalom titles in 1964.
- Elise Christl: Beaux Arts student and illustrator, best known for her work in depicting wildlife and nature.
- Johann Christl: notable Austrian author and enthusiast who wrote the book Dampfradeln durch die Alpen (‘Steambiking through the Alps’).
- Dr. Paul Christl: Austrian author, best known for his books about economic and political policy, sustainability, climate change, and global gender equality.
- Christl Berg: German judge and lawyer, first female president of the European Intellectual Property Law Association (EPI) and current member of the German Federal Council of Justice.
- Ursula Christl: German author, best known for her novels Die gelbe Fee and Der Geiger von Löwenthal.
- Mike Christl: author, blogger and satirist, best known for his books Die Unvollendeten and Royalist Angelpunkt.
- Hjalmar Christl: Norwegian actor, singer and songwriter, best known for voicing the Norwegian dub of the TV series SpongeBob SquarePants and movies such as Trolls.