Surname Preißer - Meaning and Origin

Preißer: What does the surname Preißer mean?

The last name Preißer is of German origin. In Germany, the surname was adopted by individuals who were either a price-checker or a tax collector, and the name literally translates to "price man" or "valuator".

In the 15th century, many German families migrated to the Scandinavian countries and adopted the variations "Priester" or "Primsser", though in other parts of the German-speaking world, such as Austria and Switzerland, the meaning has changed to "priest". It is also believed to have been adopted by Jewish people as a form of "Preis" or "price".

Historically, Preißer was often seen as a sign of wealth and nobility, since it indicated that someone was able to own a price-checking position in the villages or market towns. Over the centuries, the use of Preißer has evolved, and it is now widely accepted as a surname in the German-speaking world.

Many Preißer families today are involved in business and finance, due to their association with checking prices and collecting taxes. Others may follow in the footsteps of their ancestors and become price-checking experts in their communities as well. It is not uncommon to find surnames like Preißer in fields such as accounting, banking, finance, and real estate.

The looks and sounds of the last name Preißer bring a certain sense of sophistication and royalty, and it's not hard to see why this surname has remained in use over the centuries. Though the original meaning has been somewhat lost, the significance of the name has remained.

Preißer: Where does the name Preißer come from?

The last name Preißer is most commonly found in South Germany today. Specifically, the states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Thuringia have the highest concentrations of people with this surname.

This surname is quite old, and the first recorded use of the name dates back to 1112 in Bavaria. It is derived from the German word preiß, meaning “prize” or “honor.” It is assumed that this originated as a descriptive nickname for a particularly honorable person in ancient times.

Today, the last name Preißer is still quite common in its native Germany, and estimated to be held by anywhere from 1,100 to 3,000 people. It is also found in the United States, where many German immigrants settled over the course of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, the surname is estimated to be held by just over 1,500 people.

The Preißer family has a certain reputation in the South German region of their origin. This family is seen as representing values such as honesty, hard work, and dedication to their community. It is said that a few branches of the family have gained more prestigious status due to their involvement in local politics or business.

Overall, the last name Preißer is still quite common in much of South Germany today, while smaller percent of this surname is found elsewhere, including the United States. It is seen as a proud surname that symbolizes honor and respect, making it a coveted name across the globe.

Variations of the surname Preißer

The surname Preißer is a predominantly German surname. It can have several variants and spellings. These include Preisser, Preiss, Preissler, Preisler, Preiß, Preißler, Prieser, Pries, Priesler, Prößer, Prösser, Pröss, Prößler, and Pröß. The spelling and pronunciation can vary due to regional linguistics across the German-speaking world, thus making it difficult to determine how the surname originated.

The surname Preißer could have arisen from a place name associated with the work of a professional. In Low German, the prefix 'prisser' means "one who deals in peace." Thus the name Preißer could indicate either a judge or a mediator. Another possible source of the name is the Middle Low German and Middle Dutch word 'presen' which was used to refer to a bailiff, collector or lobbyist.

The Preißer surname can also be associated with other European countries. In Austria, the spelling "Preis" is common whereas in the Czech Republic, it is rendered as Příse. In the United States, immigrants who had the surname Preißer changed their name to Presser, Pressler, Preiser, and Priess.

Overall, the surname Preißer is connected to various spellings, variants, and other surnames from different parts of Europe. While it is difficult to pinpoint the origin of the Preißer surname, one thing is clear; bearers of this name are of Germanic descent, and likely are associated with a professional or regional place-name.

Famous people with the name Preißer

• Gustav Preißer: German actor.
• Barbara Preißer: Austrian actress.
• Elisabeth Preißer: German actress.
• Margit Preißer: German actress.
• Rainer Preißer: German actor and director.
• Raimund Preißer: German actor.
• Wolfgang Preißer: German actor and theater director.
• Kurt Preißer: German musician.
• Jochen Preißer: German writer.
• Frank Preißer: German actor.
• Helga Preißer: German actress.
• Birgit Preißer: Austrian actress.
• Angelika Preißer: German actress.
• Thilo Preißer: German actor and writer.
• Uwe Preißer: German actor.
• Annette Preißer: German actress.
• Ursula Preißer: German actress.
• Heinz Preißer: German actor.
• Klaus-Dieter Preißer: German actor and voice actor.
• Kai Preißer: German producer and director.

Other surnames

PreißePreißel