Surname Spiesl - Meaning and Origin
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Spiesl: What does the surname Spiesl mean?
The last name Spiesl is of German origin and is derived from the Middle German word "spiezl" which means "bird's nest". It is typically found in the areas of what is now Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, all of which were part of the greater Germanic kingdom in the Middle Ages. The surname is likely to have originally referred to someone who lived near a bird's nest or kept birds, such as falconers, or it could have simply been an occupational name for someone who worked with twigs and branches.
The name Spiesl typically has been an occupational name, although in some instances it has been used by people who descended from families of higher prestige. Records of nobles in Austria and Slovakia suggest that members of royalty used the surname as part of their noble lineage.
The surname is common in the region, and it is fairly easy to trace its path through other languages, such as Hungarian, Slovak, and Czech. Over time, the name has developed some variant spellings, such as Spiessl, Spiess, Spiesel, Spes, and Spisl. In contemporary times, the surname can be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other areas of Central Europe, as well as in the United States.
No matter the origins or spelling, the surname Spiesl carries a meaning rooted in ancestral tradition. It is a reminder of the shared past of the Germanic people and provides insight into the culture of those who carried the name.
Order DNA origin analysisSpiesl: Where does the name Spiesl come from?
The last name Spiesl is most commonly found in Germany today, with the most occurrences in the state of Bavaria. It is also present in Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and parts of the former Yugoslavia. Spiesl is a German name that is derived from several Middle High German terms, most notably spîz meaning "provisions" and; specle meaning "vent".
In addition to its presence in continental Europe, Spiesl can also be found in North America, Australia and New Zealand. Data from the United States Census 2000 suggests that Spiesl may be particularly popular in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It’s possible that many immigrants with this surname have roots in Europe.
The popularity of the surname Spiesl in Europe dates back to the era of the Holy Roman Empire, during the Middle Ages. Records show that members of the Spiesl family lived in the village of Mähringen in southwestern Germany during the early 14th century.
Today, many people with the surname Spiesl continue to live in the same area of Bavaria that saw their early presence. While exact numbers are difficult to come by, it’s safe to say that those with this name are still quite common in the region.
Variations of the surname Spiesl
The surname Spiesl is of German origin, and is found mainly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. Variants of the surname include Spiessl, Spießl, Spyßl, and Speissel.
In its original form, the surname Spiesl is thought to derive from the German word "speise," meaning "food." This suggests that the original bearer of the name may have been a chef or baker. It is also possible that the surname was originally an occupational name, referring to someone who worked with spindles.
Variations of the surname Spiesl include the German spelling Spiese, the Austrian spelling Speise, the Swiss spelling Speis, and the American spelling Spees. Common alternate spellings of the name include Spissel, Spicsl, Spistl, Spizel, Spysel, Spitzel, and Spicsel.
Other surnames of the same origin include Spitzelsberger, Spätzle, Sputzel, and Spiz. All of these names refer to food or spindles, and are believed to have the same origins.
In the United States, the surname is sometimes spelled Spisel, Speisel, Spiesse, or Speshel. Some people with the surname Spiesl may also be related to the surname Spies, a variant of the original form.
In some cases, the surnames Speise, Spitz, Speeze, and Speidel may also indicate a connection to the original name.
Famous people with the name Spiesl
- Anton Spiesl, Austrian film director best known for his 1971 drama film, The Visitant
- Brian Spiesl, American politician who served as the mayor of Westminster, Colorado
- Chris Spiesl, Australian best known for his novelty song "Hey Hey What a Fabulous Day"
- Henry Spiesl, American painter renowned for his Impressionist paintings
- Johann Spiesl, Austrian conductor and composer best known for his operas
- Karl Spiesl, Austrian baritone who performed with the Vienna Opera House
- Michael Spiesl, Austrian sculptor known for his bronze and marble works
- Rudolf Spiesl, Austrian alpine skier and Olympic competitor
- Sabina Spiesl, German linguist specializing in German oral literature and folklore
- Walter Spiesl, German theologian and author known for his pioneering work in New Testament exegesis