Surname Schreiner - Meaning and Origin

Embarking on a DNA journey with iGENEA: Discovering the Roots and History behind the Schreiner Surname

My quest to uncover the roots of my surname, Schreiner, led me to carry out a DNA analysis at iGENEA. The test revealed the Germanic origins of my name, its connection to artisanal history, and the migration patterns of my ancestors. This not only handed me a broader view of my lineage but also linked me to a community sharing my surname and history.

S. Schreiner

Schreiner: What does the surname Schreiner mean?

The surname Schreiner is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "schreiner." This word was used to describe a person who worked as a joiner, cabinet maker, or carpenter—someone who crafted wooden items such as furniture and cabinets. Over time, the surname became an occupational title, and was later applied to any person who made items of wood.

In its native country, the name Schreiner is common throughout Germany, Switzerland, as well as Austria. In countries like the United States and Canada, the surname is relatively uncommon, but it is not unheard of.

The meaning of the name Schreiner can also be related to the literal meaning of the word itself in German, which is "one who writes." This would suggest that someone with this last name is an avid writer, or possibly a scribe who records information.

As a surname, Schreiner generally suggests a creative and artistic spirit, as is befitting of someone who works with their hands to craft tangible items. Whether you're looking for an occupational title or a representation of creativity, Schreiner is certainly an evocative choice.

Schreiner: Where does the name Schreiner come from?

The last name Schreiner is most common in German-speaking countries today, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. The name is derived from the German word 'schreiner' meaning 'carpenter', likely indicating an ancestral profession.

The last name Schreiner is the eighteenth most commonly found surname in Germany. It is also among the top 150 surnames found in Austria, ranking 99th, and the top 100 surnames found in Switzerland, ranking 46th. Among the Luxembourg population, Schreiner is the sixty-fifth most common surname.

The last name Schreiner is found in other countries around the world too, due to immigration from Germany-speaking regions to many places throughout history. In the United States it ranks 7,781st, in Canada it ranks 4,772nd, and it even ranks tenth in Slovakia. Additionally, the name is found in Argentina, France, Australia, and many other parts of the world

Overall, the last name Schreiner is most prevalent in German-speaking countries, where it is among the top 150 surnames found. However, through immigration and globalization, it is also found to a lesser degree in many other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Schreiner

The surname Schreiner is of German and Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word “schrein,” which refers to a cabinetmaker or joiner.

Variant spellings of the surname Schreiner include Schreyer, Schryer, Shreiner, Shryer, Schreiners, Schreyers, Schryers, Shreiners, and Shryers. In addition, some families take a variety of Anglicized versions of the name, which are spelled differently from the original German form. These include Shear, Schreiner/Shear, Shearer/Sherer, and Schryer/Shrier.

In addition to the various spellings, the Schreiner surname has many associated surnames of similar origin. Common surnames of similar origin including Tischler, which means “tablemaker”; Zimmermann,which means “carpenter”; Maler, which means “painter”; and Kiefer, which means “cooper.” It is believed that some families have adopted different spellings and surnames to identify their trade.

A more modern version of the Schreiner surname is Schreiber, which is derived from the Middle High German word “schrieber” or “schrifft.” This version is frequently seen among Ashkenazi Jews who migrated to the United States in the early 1900s.

Overall, the surname Schreiner is highly variable. Whether spelled slightly differently or taken as an alternate surname, the Schreiner name is almost identical and stems from a clear origin.

Famous people with the name Schreiner

• Olive Schreiner: Olive Schreiner was a South African writer, intellectual, and political activist. She is best known for her book, The Story of an African Farm, which anticipated the ideas of feminism that would not become a reality until decades later. She was a vociferous advocate for women's rights, and was an important figure in the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa.
• Edmund Schreiner: Edmund Schreiner was a German composer and organist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was particularly notable for his compositions in the Baroque style, and the world's largest free-standing Baroque organ is situated in a church in his hometown.
• Theodore Schreiner: Theodore Schreiner was a German-American botanist and taxonomist, who immigrated to the United States of America in the late 19th century. He is noted for his contributions to the field of plant taxonomy, and is especially remembered for his seminal work on the Porophyllum family.
• Arthur Schreiner: Arthur Schreiner was a German Jesuit priest and missionary who was notably active in India. He is remembered for his social works and humanitarian efforts, which included setting up schools, establishing the first German parish in India, and constructing orphanages and hospitals.
• Ignaz Schreiner: Ignaz Schreiner was an Austrian pianist, composer, and arranger of music. He is well-remembered for his piano pieces, and is also known for his many transcriptions of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Other surnames

SchreinemacherSchreinemachersSchreinersSchreinert