Surname Schiess - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Schiess Surname: An Odyssey through Ancestry and Personal Identity with iGENEA DNA Test
Studying my ancestral roots via an iGENEA DNA test profoundly enriched my understanding of personal identity and heritage. The test breathed life into the Schiess surname, weaving it into history and tradition, and expanding its co-ordinates from my immediate family to a much larger human tapestry. It provided a newfound context, linking me to a rich history and diverse culture and establishing a profound connection with my roots.
N. Schiess
read moreSchiess: What does the surname Schiess mean?
The surname Schiess can be traced back to an old Germanic word meaning “shooter” or “shooting”. The precise origin of the surname is unknown; however, scholars believe it originally signified those of working-class who worked as hunters and archers in the Medieval period, or persons that adopted a career in military service.
In more recent times, the surname can refer to anything from a surname of high nobility in a feudal system, to migratory workers or people connected to the military profession. Additionally, the surname is a common German religious name, given to persons who converted to Christianity; this arises from the translation of “schizo” which means “to shoot” or “armed with a bow,” and was a designation of St. Christopher, the Christian saint of hunters and warriors.
The success of the surname in particular regions of Germany is reflected in the fact that there are still actually Schiess hamlets in today’s Germany, with some families that are believed to have been named Schiess still living in them. The name is also seen among other German-speaking groups around the world, such as in the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
Throughout history, the Schiess surname has been associated with nobility and power, demonstrating an important part of German heritage. Although times have changed, the legacy of the Schiess surname continues to be celebrated today.
Order DNA origin analysisSchiess: Where does the name Schiess come from?
The last name Schiess is most common in German-speaking countries today. The name is derived from German words meaning ‘shield’ or ‘protection’, which suggests that the original bearer of the name may have been a skilled warrior.
In Germany, the last name Schiess is most common in the state of Bavaria in the south. In Austria, it is most common in the Tyrol region, bordering Bavaria.
In Switzerland, the Schiess name is most common in the cantons of Zurich, which borders Germany, and Valais, which borders Austria.
In the United States, the name Schiess is found in large numbers in communities with German heritage. Such communities are predominantly based in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Schiess is also found in other countries with German immigrant populations, including Canada, Australia, Brazil and Argentina.
Finally, the name can also be found in Dutch and Afrikaans-speaking areas in South Africa, where it is spelled without the umlaut (Schies). This suggests that the name could have been brought by German immigrants to an older Dutch-speaking culture.
Variations of the surname Schiess
The surname Schiess has a few common variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
One of the most common variants of the Schiess surname is Schies. This spelling essentially differs by one letter, switching the "e" and the "i" making an otherwise identical name.
A second variation of the Schiess surname is Schiesser. This spelling swaps out the "i" for an "er" at the end of the name.
The surname Schiess also has a few alternate format options, including Shies, Shieß, Shießer, Schiener, Schienerr and Schiesser. Each of these spellings add additional letters to the root name either within the word or at the end of the word.
Finally, a few surnames have the same origin as Schiess. These include Schisseler, Schissely, Shisler, Schisler and Schijnes. All of these are slight variations on the Schiess surname by using different letters or word combinations to form the name.
In conclusion, the surname Schiess has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, such as Schies, Schiesser, Shies, Shieß, Shießer, Schiener, Schienerr, Schiesser, Schisseler, Schissely, Shisler, Schisler and Schijnes. These are all subtle variations on the root name Schiess.
Famous people with the name Schiess
- Max Schiess: Swiss soccer midfielder
- Walter Schiess: Swiss cross country skier
- Mariann Schiess-Widdershoven: Dutch volleyball player
- Berko Schiess: Swiss track and field athlete
- Jacques Schiess: Swiss road bicycle racer
- August Schiess: Swiss-German Olympic pistol shooter
- Margo Schiess-Dominguez: Chilean Miss Universe contestant
- Josephine Schiess-Willig: Austrian actress
- August Schiess-Widler: Swiss bobsledder
- Alexander Schiess: Austrian long-distance runner