Surname Kreisler - Meaning and Origin

Kreisler: What does the surname Kreisler mean?

The last name Kreisler is of German origin and likely derived from the Middle High German word “kreisler” which refers to a maker or trader of spinning wheels and looms. Spinning wheels and looms were essential tools for the production of cloth in the Middle Ages and were often used by those people who were involved in jobs such as weaving. The name Kreisler may also have come from the German word “kreis”, meaning “circle”, as it was long associated with the circle dancing and spinning that occurred at traditional German festivals, and became a popular surname for dancers taking part in these events.

The meaning of the name Kreisler is that of a creative, industrious, organized person. This could suggest the family was known for their craftsmanship, engineering skills, or technical expertise. The creative streak of the Kreisler family could indicate those carrying the name have an affinity for music, art, dancing or theatre. Kreisler families today often have a wide variety of interests, from music to engineering, which may derive from an ability to find and develop creative solutions.

Kreisler is a unique and proud name, with a long history and a possible variety of meanings. Those who carry the name are likely to be creative and industrious, with the ability to find and develop creative solutions to challenges faced in their lives.

Kreisler: Where does the name Kreisler come from?

Kreisler is a common surname today in the USA, particularly amongst people of German or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. While it is also found in other countries in Europe, such as France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, its United States variants spell the name differently - Kreisler, Krissler, Krisler, Kreissler, Kreussler, Krissler, Crisler, or Kreisler.

The name originated as an occupational name from the Middle Ages, derived from the word "Kreisel," meaning “spinning-wheel”. It was given to those who not only made spinning wheels, but also worked with them-including wool spinners and weavers. The spelling variants began to be adopted in the early 19th century, as the name became a more popular surname for immigrants from Germany and other parts of Central Europe.

The surname is particularly common in states and cities such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York which have large populations of German-American immigrants from the 19th century. It is even found in the native language of German - which is still spoken amongst a large population of Amish, Mennonite- and Lutheran- faith believers.

The earliest bearers of the name are believed to have lived in the southern German region of Franconia and the surrounding areas, and is also found in some Czech and Polish records as well. Kreisler is also a common name in the US military, and is carried by many retired and active military personnel - likely as a result of being stationed in Germany in accordance with NATO agreements.

Variations of the surname Kreisler

Kreisler is a German surname that can be found in different countries around the world. Variants or spellings for the surname Kreisler include Kreis, Kreisel, Kreissl and Kriesler.

Kreysler, Kreisler von Rehbrücke, and Kreissler are German variants of the surname. In the United States and Great Britain, Kreisler is also spelled Kreisler, Kriesler, or Kreiser, among other variations.

Variants of the surname Kreisler can be found throughout Central and Eastern Europe. For example, the Croatian variant is Kreisl, and the Hungarian variant is Kreiszler. In Austria, variant spellings of Kreisler include Kreikl, Kreis, Kreisla, Kreißler, and Kriesler.

Other variants of the surname Kreisler include Kreizler, Kreisiz, Kreijsler, and Krezel. In Russia, the surname is occasionally spelled as Kreyzler or Kreizlery.

In addition, Kreisler is sometimes a derived variant of other German surnames, such as Kraus or Krausser. This means that some people with Krausser or Kraus for a last name may have a distant ancestor with the Kreisler surname.

Famous people with the name Kreisler

• Fritz Kreisler (1875–1962): Fritz Kreisler was an Austrian-born American violinist and composer. One of the most influential and beloved violinists of all time, he began performing at the age of eight and went on to compose many beloved solo works and concertos, as well as collaborating with some of the leading composers of his day.
• Jacques Kreisler (1879–1962): Jacques Kreisler was a French pianist, composer, and conductor during the early 20th century. He wrote several original works for orchestra and piano and also arranged and re-conditioned some of the most popular classics of his day.
• Meir (Moritz) Kreisler (1885–1975): Meir (Moritz) Kreisler was a renowned Austrian-Israeli painter, sculptor, and stage designer. He created works in a range of styles, from Impressionism and Expressionism to Expressionist landscapes and figurative paintings.
• Ernst Kreisler (1886–1960): Ernst Kreisler was a German painter, sculptor, and the leading figure in the German Expressionist movement. His pieces often featured vibrant colors and an almost childlike sense of energy, and his works were characterized by their inventive use of light, color, shape, and mass.
• Lola Krieger (1905–1944): Lola Krieger was an Austrian cellist and composer who composed a range of solo works and chamber music, as well as a Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra. She was an active performer in Vienna and London before setting up a teaching studio in London.
• Itzhak Kreisler (born 1981): A modern day composer and multi-instrumentalist, Itzhak Kreisler is best known for his original compositions for woodwinds, brass, and keyboards. His works often feature a combination of Eastern and Western influences and draw on the music of the Middle East and North Africa.

Other surnames

KreislKreislmeier