Surname Schindler - Meaning and Origin
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read moreSchindler: What does the surname Schindler mean?
The surname Schindler is of German origin, derived from a place name in Silesia. The terms ‘schin’ or ‘schind’ mean ‘divide’ in German, and the ending ‘ler’ is a referring to a ‘one who dwells in’ or a ‘person related to’. Therefore, Schindler is thought to have roots in a place with a name related to dividing or something divisible.
The Schindlers also trace their ancestry to the Brehme family, an aristocratic dynasty with a long history in Silesia and Poland. The Brehmes trace their origin to a castle near Pobiedzistow, the “Schinzenplatte”, which may explain why Schindler is so closely associated with the place.
Today, the Schindler family is well known for the heroic deeds of Oskar Schindler during World War II. He risked his own life to protect and save more than 1,000 Jews from the Nazis, proving himself a humanitarian of courage and wisdom. His name is truly a source of pride for his descendants, who have since created a foundation to honour Schindler’s legacy of courage and kindness.
The Schindler surname has come to represent a strong sense of pride for the family and their ancestors. It carries the reminder of the strength of the human spirit, and of the incredible power of a single person to make a difference. In a time of darkness, Schindler provided light and hope to many by standing up against evil and protecting the innocent people in his care.
Order DNA origin analysisSchindler: Where does the name Schindler come from?
The last name Schindler is an uncommon name today, but it is most commonly found in central and eastern Europe. Specifically, it is quite popular in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland.
In Germany, the name originates from Middle High German origins and has likely been in use in the region since the 12th or 13th century. The name is derived from the Middle High German word “schin(d)el”, meaning “shield”. Thus, the name was likely given to someone with protective qualities or who worked in a protective role.
In the Czech Republic, the name is derived from the personal name Schindler and is usually associated with poultry farmers. Additionally, the name may have been used as a nickname for someone who often worked in close contact with animals.
In Poland, the surname may have been taken on by German settlers sometime in the 14th or 15th century, and is quite common in parts of the country today. However, its exact origin is uncertain.
The last name Schindler is relatively uncommon today, but is primarily found in central and eastern Europe, including a few countries in particular.
Variations of the surname Schindler
The surname Schindler has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Among the variants, Schintler, Schindelar, Schindelary, Schindle, Schindel, Szindel, and Szindellare are some of the more common variations. Other variants include Schindlerová, Schindelare, Schindlere, and Szindlerová.
In German, the surname Schindler is often seen in the forms Scheindel, Schindeler, Schindl, Schindlerin, Schindlero, Schindelerin, and Schindele. In Czech, the variations include Schindlář and Schindelář. In Polish, Schindler takes the forms Szindler, Szindlerowicz, Szindlerowie, Szindelarz, and Szindlerek. In Yiddish, Schindler is spelled Shindle or Shindel.
The surnames of the same origin include Shindleman, Shindelman, and Shindelmann. The English variations include Schindlerman, Schindelman, and Schindalman. These surnames are derived from the same root as Schindler.
In addition, there are some lesser-known variants of the surname, such as Schindelers, Schindlerová, Schindlering, and Schindeler. Additionally, many derivatives of the surname exist throughout Europe, primarily in German and English-speaking countries.
Famous people with the name Schindler
- Oskar Schindler: Famous German humanitarian, who sheltered Jews during the Holocaust and saved up to 1,200 lives by employing them in his factories.
- Leopold Schindler:Schindler's father, an enameller and locksmith.
- Emilie Schindler: Oskar Schindler's wife, who supported her husband in his efforts to protect and save Jews during the Holocaust.
- Herbert Alfred Schindler: Oskar Schindler's brother, who helped manage his factories during the Second World War.
- Uri Schindler: Oskar Schindler's son, who helped run the Enamelware Factory in Cracow following his father's death.
- Alfred Schindler: Oskar Schindler's nephew, a Belgian-born photographer and producer.
- Sheva Schindler: Oskar Schindler's granddaughter, an artist and filmmaker who retraces her grandfather's moral courage.
- Monika Schindler: Oskar Schindler's granddaughter, a German photographer and writer.
- Fritz Schindler: German soldier in the Second World War, who saved Jewish lives and resisted Nazi orders while serving.
- John Schindler: Former National Security Agency (NSA) counterintelligence officer and professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College.