Surname Zehler - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'Z'
Zehler: What does the surname Zehler mean?
The surname Zehler is a German name that has several different possible meanings. One possible source of the name’s origin is from a combination of the Middle High German words “zegel” which means “seal” and “êre” which means “honor”, together creating the literal translation of “honorable seal”.
Alternatively, it is thought that the name derives from the Middle High German words “zihler” which means “iler” or “collier” and “hêren” which means “host” or “lord”, leading to the interpretation of the name as “host’s collar”. It is also possible for the name’s origin to originate from either of these words as well as the pre 7th century Old German word “sigil” meaning “victory”.
Throughout history, this surname has been found across Germany in many forms, including Zihler, Zehle, Zehler, Zeiler, Zehla, Zehl, and Zihling. As German emigrants moved across the world, this surname has spread across many countries and is now found widely in the United States, Canada, and Australia as well.
The name Zehler is a powerful and interesting one, and its history is likely to remain intriguing to researchers and genealogists for many years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisZehler: Where does the name Zehler come from?
The last name Zehler is most commonly found in Germany today. According to Behind the Name, one of the top sources for researching surname origins and history, it is likely an occupational name that derived from North and Central German Zeiler, meaning “tile maker or roofer.” In other words, Zehler was likely a name given to a tradesman who manufactured and/or installed roof tiles.
The name is found throughout Germany, from the north to the south. However, the states of Bavaria, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt appear to have the highest concentration of Zehlers. Its presence is also seen in several surrounding countries, including Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.
In the United States, Zehler is fairly uncommon today. Since arriving on U.S. shores, the Zehler surname has spread out across the nation, with clusters in Oregon, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Utah. The largest number of Zehlers can be found in Minnesota.
The last name variants of Zehler include Zeggler, Zeigler, Zeiler, Seiler, Seler, Saleh, and Selah.
Variations of the surname Zehler
The surname Zehler is of German origin and many of its variants, spellings and surnames have their roots in the same language. Some of the common variant spellings include: Zeller, Zeller, Zweler, Ziller, Zayler, and Zeehler. The surnames have also been Americanized into: Tschaehler, Zailer, Tschahler, and Tschaler.
Zehler is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from a particular male ancestor's given name. The surname is derived from the German personal names, Zeller and Zehle. These names come from the Middle High German term zele, meaning "servant". It has been suggested that these names may have originally referred to those who worked as servants or personal attendants to the aristocracy.
Zehler is generally found in southern Germany, particularly in the regions of Saxony, Bavaria, and Hesse. Its variants can also be found in each of these regions as well.
Other Germanic spellings may also be seen, such as Tzeller, Tsehler and Tsehler. In some cases, this surname has been adopted as a Jewish surname in Germany due to religious persecution. While this may still be seen today, its presence likely is not as frequent as it was centuries ago.
The Zehler surname can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries as a result of immigration. Since its adoption in these countries, it has not been modified as much as in Germany and many of its derivatives can still be seen today. Ultimately, the surname Zehler and its various variations are a reminder of Germany's long and rich history.
Famous people with the name Zehler
- Barbara Zehler: a German politician, leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany
- Johan Zehler: a Swedish operatic baritone
- Melissa Zehler: an American book editor
- Robert Zehler: a German World War I flying ace
- Olivier Zehler: a French violinist, violist and conductor
- Joseph Zehler: an American theologian and writer
- August Zehler: an Austrian conductor and composer
- Bernie Zehler: a Canadian actor, known for his role in “Final Destination 4”
- Jack Zehler: an American actor, comedian, and voice actor
- Richard Zehler: an American baseball player
- Jacob Zehler: a German patriot and Stone Thrower of the Hambach Festival
- Kenneth Zehler: an American attorney, Washington State Bar Association president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient
- William Zehler: an American entrepreneur and college athlete