Surname Filler - Meaning and Origin

Filler: What does the surname Filler mean?

The last name Filler is of German origin and is a habitational name for someone who originated from the numerous places named Filler, found mainly in Southwestern Germany. This place-name is derived from the Middle High German word "viller" which means a "hamlet". Many of the places named Filler were owned by noble families during the Middle Ages and the surname Filler is likely to have either denoted an occupation or indicated a connection to one of the many titled Filler families.

In Germany, the Filler family name is very common and it is still well-established in areas of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg. The name is also found in other regions across Europe, with the earliest documented records of Filler family tracing back to the fifteenth century. It is also fairly common throughout North America, particularly in the United States.

The Filler family has produced several notable figures including 17th century German portrait painter Tobias Deus Filler, acclaimed vintage instrument in-storeist and restorer Christof Filler and a number of notable athletes throughout the centuries including Gustav Adolf Filler (“the running tailor”) who set world records in running during the 1880s.

The name Filler is associated with hardworking and creative individuals, with a rich and varied past. Despite its German roots, today it is known to be a symbol of worldliness, a name that is well-travelled and connected with many cultures.

Filler: Where does the name Filler come from?

The last name Filler is most often found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is derived from the Middle High German word “füller,” which means “a tailor,” and suggests that those with this name may have held this occupation historically.

Today, the surname is found in the United States, specifically throughout the Midwestern states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. It can also be found in other countries around the world including Australia, France, Canada, and Israel.

It is more likely to encounter the surname in rural areas, especially near the larger cities of St. Louis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Detroit. Counties that have recorded a high number of residents with the Filler name include Crawford, La Crosse, Crawford, and Walworth.

Though not as plentiful as other surnames, Filler is still a recognizable name in today’s world and is associated with families who are hardworking, honest, and kind. The surname is likely to carry on through generations as more and more people move away from the cities of origin to other parts of the country and the world.

Variations of the surname Filler

The surname Filler is derived from the Middle High German word "fillen,” meaning "to dweller by a ravine” or "inhabitant of a low-lying area.” Its variants include Fillar, Fillerbauer, Fillerup, Fillerer, and Fillers.

The most common spelling of Filler is with an "er” ending, though it can be written in a variety of dialectal forms such as Fillerup, Fillerer, Fillers, and Fillar.

In some countries, the variant of Fillerbauer is the most common. This term is used to describe "dweller by a stream" and is a recognisable variation found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The spelling for this variant is sometimes modified to Fillerbau, Fillbauer, or Fillbau.

Some nations have adopted different versions of this name, such as Vlieger and Vliegher in Holland, Füller in Germany, Fylder in Norway, Philaire in France, and Philer in Spain.

Lastly, there are several variants of Filler unique to the United States. Variants such as Fidate, Fiedler, and Fiderl are variations that have been documented in records and manuscripts from early colonial settlements.

In conclusion, the surname Filler has a variety of recognizable forms depending on the country of origin. Regional dialects and historic foreign influences have created a range of spellings and related surnames, including Fillerbauer, Fillar, Fiderl, and Philaire.

Famous people with the name Filler

• Kurt Filler: World War II Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient.
• David Filler: Chief Editor of American Lawyer magazine.
• Richard Filler: Jazz pianist, composer and arranger.
• Gregor Filler: German opera singer.
• Stephen Filler: Actor and stage manager.
• Martin Filler: Author and architecture critic.
• Clifford Filler: American army colonel and chief judge of the United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals.
• Robert Filler: German neuroscientist.
• John Filler: American civil engineer and collector of maritime memorabilia.
• Michael Filler: American attorney and legal analyst.

Other surnames

Fillep