Surname Zinsser - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'Z'
Zinsser: What does the surname Zinsser mean?
The last name Zinsser is of German origin. It's derived from "zin" (or "zinn" in German), meaning "sign" or "seal", and the suffix "er", which denotes someone who works with or has expertise in a specific area. The most likely occupation for someone with the surname Zinsser would have been an engraver or a seal maker.
The earliest known use of the Zinsser name is found written in church records in Rotenzimmern, Germany in the early 1500s. It was used to denote a seal engraver named Peter Zinser. The Zinsser family has since spread to the United States, where one of the most famous members is the late William K. Zinsser, an American writer and journalist. He was best known for his book On Writing Well, a guide to writing non-fiction that has been praised by many professional writers and editors.
The last name Zinsser can be found throughout the world today, with members of the family living in Germany, the United States, and other countries. It still retains its original meaning, and those who carry the surname can take pride in knowing that they are the descendants of those skilled metal engravers and seal makers.
Order DNA origin analysisZinsser: Where does the name Zinsser come from?
The last name Zinsser is most common in Germany today. It is estimated that at least 3,000 people across the world bear this name, the majority of whom are of German descent. The name originated from the German language and means "of the Zinnen family," referring to those of a certain noble lineage. The earliest records of the name date back to 1274 in Germany.
From the late 16th century to the mid-19th century, many Zinssers migrated from Germany to countries such as the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, German-born Zinssers are represented mainly in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse. Those of American descent live mainly in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and California. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand also have large populations of Zinssers.
The name Zinsser is less common in other parts of the world, and even less so outside of Central Europe. However, due to globalization and the internet, it is likely that people of this name are spread out across the globe. In recent years, the name has even become popular in Russia, where some Zinssers emigrated from Germany in the18th and 19th centuries.
Variations of the surname Zinsser
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Zinsser are Zinser, Zintzler, Zinzler, Zinsler, Zeeceer, Zenthger, Zinnger, Zinsberg, Zinsburger, Ziontser, Zantleger, Zinsmayer, etc.
Zinser is derived from the German word ‘zinsher’, an old version of ‘Zinser’, which occurs at the beginning of the 16th century. In the Middle Ages, the term Zinser was used to refer to a collector of taxes who organized the collection of taxes on properties and the regulation of the rate of interest charged on loans. This occupation was known as Zehentig, which later transformed into Zinser.
Zintzler is derived from the Middle High German word ‘zinsel’, which means ‘payment’ or ‘buyer’. It was used to refer to a tax collector or a person who paid taxes or bought and sold goods.
Zinzler is derived from the old German word ‘zinsel’ or ‘zinz’, which means ‘to stop’ or ‘to break’. It was used to refer to a person who stopped, arrested or dealt with criminals, or an enforcement officer of a ruler.
Zinsler is derived from the old High German word ‘zins’ or ‘zinsel’, which means ‘payment’ or ‘buyer’. It is related to the term Zintzler and can be used in the same way.
Zeeceer is derived from the Middle High German word ‘zecher’, which means ‘tax collector’ or ‘renter’. It is another occupation related to the name and was used to refer to people who rented or leased property from the ruler.
Zenthger is derived from the Middle High German word ‘zentriger’, which means ‘tax collector’. It was an occupation related to the name and was used to refer to people employed by the ruler to collect taxes.
Zinnger is derived from the Middle High German word ‘zinsger’, which means ‘person in charge of collecting renter payments’. It is another occupation related to the name and was used to refer to people who collected payments from tenants on behalf of landowners.
Zinsberg, Zinsburger, and Ziontser are all derived from the old German ‘zinsel’, which refers to a payment or buyer. It was used to refer to a person who paid taxes or who bought and sold goods.
Zantleger is derived from the Middle High German word ‘zandelger’, which means ‘exchequer’. It is another occupation related to the name and was used to refer to people who managed accounts for the rulers.
Zinsmayer is derived from the Middle High German word ‘zinsemaer’, which means ‘merchant’ or ‘trader’. It was an occupation related to the surname and used to refer to people who moved goods for commerce and trading.
Famous people with the name Zinsser
- William Zinsser: American writer, editor and teacher. He wrote the book On Writing Well, an international bestseller.
- Rob Zinsser: American television writer, executive and producer. He has created several shows for the WB and CBS networks.
- Karl Zinsser: German bacteriologist who first isolated Rickettsia prowazekii, which causes typhus.
- John Zinsser: American oilman and philanthropist. He was a major funder of the Bryn Mawr College Library.
- Heinrich Zinsser: German bacteriologist and writer. He wrote the popular textbook Rats, Lice and History.
- Ludwig Zinsser: German protestant theologian and theologian. He was a member of the German Religious Movement.
- Rudolf Zinsser: German physician and bacteriologist. He co-discovered the Typhus Fever virus.
- Nora Zinsser: American businessman and philanthropist. She established The Zenith Fund with her husband.
- Ann Bailin Zinsser: American educator and social justice advocate. She taught public policy for over three decades.
- Seth Zinsser: American writer, producer and director. He created the show “The Lying Game” and the movie “Midnight Sun”.