Surname Schiessling - Meaning and Origin
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Schiessling: What does the surname Schiessling mean?
The last name Schiessling most likely has German origins and is derived from the word "Schuss" which means "shot". This is typically interpreted as having an occupational origin, as the Schiessling family may have been employed as shooters or hunters.
The archaic spelling of Schiessling is Schessling. It was often used to refer to people who made their living from shooting activities, such as hunting, bird shooting or shooting wild boar. It was particularly common in regions near to the northern German border with the Netherlands. Schiessling was also occasionally used as a nickname for a free-spirited or unruly individual, referring to the free hunting lifestyle of the original Schiessling family.
The surname is evenly spread across Germany, with the city of Munich having the highest concentration. It is also found in Austria, Switzerland, Finland, France, USA, Australia and Canada.
Overall, the last name Schiessling can be interpreted as having an occupational origin, with the original family originally employed as shooters or hunters in the areas near to the northern German border.
Order DNA origin analysisSchiessling: Where does the name Schiessling come from?
The last name Schiessling is most commonly found in Germany, though it is not as widespread as it once was. According to records, Schiessling is estimated to have been established as a surname during the 16th century, during the period when last names were first being developed in Germany.
It is believed that the name was derived from the Middle High German word "schiesse" which means "shooter", and found particularly in the Westphalia region of Germany. This indicates that Schiessling was most likely originally a nickname given to an ancestor who was a proficient marksman.
The Schiessling family is one of the oldest families in the Westphalia region, and can be traced back to the 15th century. Today however, it is not as common across Germany. The largest concentration can be seen in the environs of Düsseldorf in the Lower Rhine area of North Rhine-Westphalia, and in the Ruhr area.
Although the Schiessling last name is not as widespread as it was centuries ago, there are some notable people in the family who have achieved fame. Hermann Schiessling was an important figure in the German space program, and Wilbur Schiessling was a famous German fighter pilot in World War II.
Variations of the surname Schiessling
The surname Schiessling has many variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin. These include Schlesing, Schlesing, Schlesingern, Schlesinger, Schlesseling, Schleisling, Schlessling, Schlessinger, Schlesselman, Schlesselmann, Schleussner, Schleussinger, Schliessl, Schliessling, Schliesseling, Schließler, Schließmann Schlüsselheide, Schlüsselhalm, Schlüssengruber and Schlüsseluecker.
Originally the surname was derived from the German term ‘schiessling’, which was a dimunitive form of the Middle High German word ‘schiessen’ meaning 'to shoot'. This term was often used to refer to a skilled marksman and was likely an occupational name. The spelling of this surname and its many variants spread across Europe largely due to the migration of people from Germany during the medieval period.
The surnames of similar origin likely originate from variations of the surname meaning ‘marksman’. This includes Schlüssing, Schlüssel, Schlosser, Schloskey, Schlueter, and Schluter. These terms all derive from German words and phrases which refer to locks or key-handling, likely due to the German professions of 'key-keepers' and 'lock-makers'. Therefore, individuals who shared names stemming from these professions are likely related and descended from the same origin.
Famous people with the name Schiessling
- Tino Schiessling (German footballer and coach)
- Benny Schiessling (German sculptor)
- Andreas Schiessling (German rower)
- Carl Schiessling (American football player)
- David Schiessling (German footballer)
- Dieter Schiessling (German beach volleyball player)
- Florian Schiessling (German footballer)
- Jürgen Schiessling (German discus thrower)
- Kerstin Schiessling (German artist and film director)
- Reinhold Schiessling (German former javelin thrower)
- Ruth Schiessling (German politician)
- Simon Schiessling (German footballer)
- Uwe Schiessling (German footballer)
- Tom Schiessling (German astrophysicist)
- Paul Schiessling (Austrian photographer)
- Melchior Schiessling (Swiss actor)
- Dr. Georg Schiessling (Austrian author)
- Töns Schiessling (German water polo player)
- Martin Schiessling (German archer)
- Lucio Schiessling (Italian footballer and coach)