Surname Zwierlein - Meaning and Origin

Zwierlein: What does the surname Zwierlein mean?

The last name Zwierlein is of German origin, and is thought to refer to a “masterturner” or otherwise a craftsman who works with wood. It is likely derived from the German word “zwir”, meaning “twisting” in reference to the intricate carving of wood that such an artisan might undertake.

The word could also translate to “spinning wheel”, referring to the spinning of thread once accomplished by hand with a device by the same name.

Zwierlein is primarily a Bavarian family name, as it is thought to originate from the region. It is quite rare, and is not found outside of Germany and Austria. It is said to be a habitational name, derived from a place named “Zwierle” in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt.

Today, those with the last name Zwierlein are generally considered to be ambitious and self-motivated. They have a great appreciation for art and a strong sense of justice, and are highly driven by success and recognition. They are typically family-oriented and can’t help but stay constantly busy.

Zwierlein: Where does the name Zwierlein come from?

The surname Zwierlein is commonly found in Germany today. Historically, the Zwierlein family lived in the north-eastern German state of Thuringia and its variants, such as Zwirlein, Swirlein, and Zwirly, are still found in small numbers concentrated mainly in the area.

The origins of the Zwierlein surname can be traced back to the 13th century, where it was used to identify a 'swirl' or 'curling'. It was possibly used to denote an ancestor who had curly locks of hair or a family noted for radial manner or behavior. Other variants of the family name, such as Zwirn (twine) and Zwieback (twin cake) also indicate possible origins.

Today, many members of the Zwierlein surname have branched out from Germany and can be found in other countries around the world, particularly the United States and Canada. It is still a fairly rare surname, however, and is not widely distributed.

The Zwierlein surname is still a symbol of Thuringian roots and serves to remind those who bear it of their German ancestors and their unique history as part of the Zwierlein family.

Variations of the surname Zwierlein

The surname Zwierlein is a German surname that originated in Bavaria, Germany. It is generally spelled Zwierlein, Zwierling, Zwörlein, or Zwörling in German. The spelling of this surname has been adapted around the world and has slightly different variants in each language or country.

Variants of Zwierlein and surnames of the same origin include:

• Zwierle (in the Netherlands)

• Zwierli (in Switzerland)

• Zwierleinen (in Finland and Estonia)

• Zwyarlin (in the United States)

• Zwierlien (in Poland)

• Zverlein (in Serbia)

• Zwierlin (in Ukraine)

• Zvarielins (in Latvia)

• Zverlohn (in Russia)

• Zverling (in Denmark)

• Zwerly (in the United Kingdom)

• Zwirlein (in Austria and Hungary)

• Zweerlein (in Sweden)

• Zverlan (in Turkey)

The surname is also translated into other languages, such as:

• Tzwiller (in yiddish)

• Zvirlin (in Hebrew)

• Zverlyin (in Belarusian)

• Zverlejn (in Lithuanian)

• Zverlan (in Bulgarian)

• Zwjêrlein (in Frisian)

• Sfirlein (in Romanian)

The Zwierlein surname is quite common in German-speaking countries and is also found in some areas in the United States. Whether the Zwierlein surname is spelled exactly as the original German Zwierlein or as a variant, each spelling is believed to have the same meaning. The original meaning of Zwierlein is “little knight."

Famous people with the name Zwierlein

• Marie Zwierlein: US vocalist and contestant on the 2018 season of America’s Got Talent.
• Alexander Zwierlein: German architect and winner of several awards.
• Catharina Zwierlein: Dutch organist and harpsichordist.
• Josef Zwierlein: Swiss painter and recipient of the Bruno-Sohnle-Preis.
• Holger Zwierlein: German neurologist and head of the neurology clinic at the University of Würzburg.
• Ernestine Zwierlein: American-German puppeteer with the Dutch-Vereeniging Hand Puppet Theater.
• Friedrich Zwierlein: German historian and author of several books on the history and culture of the German states.
• Bernhard Zwierlein: German actor and winner of the Bavarian Film Award.
• Martin Zwierlein: German biologist and recipient of the Yingxiang Science and Technology Award.
• Nikolaus Zwierlein: Austrian biologist and winner of the National Order of Merit.

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