Surname Strein - Meaning and Origin
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Strein: What does the surname Strein mean?
The last name Strein is derived from the German word "Strein" which has two possible meanings. The first meaning is derived from the Middle High German word "streen," meaning narrow and constricted. As such, the name is thought to refer to a family of people who had a traits or mannerisms characterized by a distinct narrowness or strictness. An alternative interpretation suggests that the name is derived from a word meaning an elevated or narrow strip of land, like a ridge or strip of grassland.
The Strein surname is found in both Europe and the United States, where its earliest recorded bearer was Thomas Strein, who was recorded in the New Amsterdam colony in 1639. Today, it is most commonly found in Austria, Germany, and the United States.
The last name Strein often carries connotations of refined but serious behavior and conventionality. People bearing the Strein name typically demonstrate a strong sense of tradition and order. They have a sense of respect for time-honored customs and conventions and a great importance for maintaining the family's reputation and standing in the community. These traits of hard work, loyalty, and thoughtfulness have helped the Strein name spread from its Germanic roots, giving the Strein family a long and proud heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisStrein: Where does the name Strein come from?
The surname Strein is most commonly found today in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. The surname is derived from the Middle High German word strein, which means “strange” or “foreign.” It is believed to be related to the surname Stein or Struck, which also have similar meanings.
Strein was historically a patronymic—it denoted the name of the father of an individual. In the days before widespread use of last names, people most often identified people by their first name and then a reference to their father, for example “Peter son of John.” As such, the Strein surname may have been an indicator to the eclectic mix of ethnic backgrounds in Europe during the Middle Ages, as it suggested a family had immigrated from somewhere else.
Along with Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, the Strein surname can also be found in other countries of Central and Northern Europe, including Hungary, Norway, and France. There are also some families in the United Kingdom with the surname. The numbers are varied across the continent but the presence of the Strein family name continues to exist in the 21st century.
Variations of the surname Strein
There are various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Strein, all of which are derived from the Middle High German word strewen or streuen meaning "to scatter". Some possible spellings of the surname include Strein, Streene, Streinke, Streiner, Strehne, Strehlen,Streen, and Strehnen.
Many German immigrants to the United States of America have adopted Americanised versions of the Strein surname, such as Strain or Strane. The spelling of these surnames may be altered due to phonetic pronunciation, which can alter the name when communicated verbally or translated into another language.
In some cases, the spelling may depend upon a family’s regional or historical origin. For example, Strein may originate from within Germany, with variants and spellings such as Strahlen, Stehnen, Streinen, and Ströhnen. In other cases, families with the surname of Strein are likely to be of Polish origin due to its prevalence in Poland, in which case variants and spellings such as Strzelnicki, Strijewski, Strzemieński, Strączkowski, and Strzewski may be more common.
Due to its Middle High German roots, the surname of Strein may also be found in Austria and Switzerland, with some of its variants and spellings being Strihen, Strehin, Strehe, Streih, and Strehein.
Other regional spellings may also be found due to cultural and linguistic influences, such as Strohe, Straaten, and Strahn in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Similarly, Strein may be seen in France and French-speaking Swiss counties as Strein, Stérin, and Stehrin.
Despite the variations in spelling of the Strein surname, its Middle High German origin remains the same and its presence is found around the world.
Famous people with the name Strein
- Julia Stine: American actress known for her roles in the films including Dog Days and The Little Mermaid.
- Mike Stine: American musician, composer, and producer. He is known for his work with Audio Adrenaline, Written in Reverse, and MarkHoppus of blink-182.
- Tom Stine: American restaurateur and tastemaker. He has founded and run some of the most influential restaurants in San Francisco, including the iconic Zazu Kitchen + Farm and the award-winning Souvla.
- Richard Stine: American conservative radio host and author, known for his outspoken views on international affairs, economic issues, and politics.
- Will Strein: American comedian, actor, and influencer. He is best known for his appearances on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
- Tommy Strein: British actor. He is known for his roles in the films Faster, Dead in the Water, and The Football Factory.
- Stuart Strein: British theatre director, writer, and producer. He is the artistic director of the Southwark Playhouse Theatre in London.
- G. Oliver Strein: American attorney and politician. He is the former mayor of Dickinson, North Dakota.
- Bob Strein: American rock and roll musician. He is best known as a former bassist for the band Foghat.
- David Strein: American professor, writer, and editor. He is the author of several books, including The Rise of the Techno-Metropolis: Silicon Valley and Beyond.