Surname Spiegler - Meaning and Origin

Spiegler: What does the surname Spiegler mean?

The last name Spiegler is an occupational surname of German-Jewish origin. The name is derived from the German word “Speigel”, and originally meant “mirror-maker” or “looking-glass maker”. In some cases, it was adopted as a name for people who made or sold similar reflective items such as window panes, spectacles, and castings.

At the turn of the 16th century, many Jewish families of Central and Eastern Europe began to adopt surnames as a way of distinguishing themselves from others within the same community. The Spiegler surname has since spread to many parts of the world, with those bearing it today found in Germany, the United States, and other countries with significant Jewish populations.

The Spiegler name is associated with a variety of other surnames that also spring from the same Germanic occupational roots; these include Spiegelman, Spiegelberg, Spigel, Spiegal, Spiegelstein, and Spiegelhagen. Many of these names take a slightly different form in the United States, often becoming simply "Spieler".

The Spiegler family crest, which is believed to be an ancient German-Jewish symbol, is a cross surrounded by four triangles. This emblem is said to represent a divinity of protection and vigilance, the family’s commitment to justice and neutrality, and a connection to their faith and spiritual beliefs.

Spiegler: Where does the name Spiegler come from?

The last name Spiegler is most commonly found today in Israel, Germany and the United States.

In Israel, the Spiegler surname is of Jewish origin and is derived from the Hebrew word שפיגל, meaning “sparrow”. This name is believed to have been first adopted by someone with small stature, or a person who was as nimble and active as a sparrow.

In Germany, the Spiegler surname was possibly first used by a speechmaker, bard, or someone who would tell stories and tales from the past. This is derived from Old German word "spegel" which means “to see” or “to look”.

In the United States, the name Spiegler mainly came about through German immigrants who arrived in the 19th century. The largest clusters of Spiegler families can be found in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and California.

The name Spiegler is not particularly common in any other countries outside of these three regions. This is likely due to the fact that it is derived from a specific culture, language and/or religion.

Variations of the surname Spiegler

Spiegler is a surname of German origin, primarily found in Baden, Germany, and is derived from the Low German "spegel," meaning "mirror." Variants of Spiegler include Spiegel, Speigle, Speigel, Speigler, Spigel, Spigle, Spigler, Spigeler, Spigelman, Speigelman, Spigelman and Speigeleman. Other related surnames of the same origin include Speck, Speckman, Spack and Spyckmann.

Spiegel is one of the most common variants of Spiegler, and may often be found listed in official documents as an alternate spelling of the original surname. This variation of the surname is mainly found in northern Germany, the Netherlands, and Eastern Europe. In some cases, it may also appear as a surname in the occupied territory of the United States, as it was one of the many Germa immigrants’s surnames adopted by those who chose to remain in the U.S.

Speigle is a variant of Spiegler also found mainly in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. It is also occasionally seen in the English-speaking world, particularly in America and Great Britain. This spelling appears most likely due to variations in dialect or personal preference.

Spigle is another variant of the surname but is typically used in Luxembourg, Germany, and Austria. This version of the Spiegler surname was likely adopted due to a linguistic evolution.

Spigler is a variation of the surname commonly found throughout the Rhineland region of Germany, and may have been derived from a nickname given to those who made a living from crafting mirrors.

In some cases, the surnames Speigelman, Spigelman, and Speigeleman may be used by descendants of Spiegler families. These variants most likely arose as a result of differences in pronunciation or were adopted due to personal preference.

Famous people with the name Spiegler

• Jack Spiegler: entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the Spiegler Foundation
• Guy Spiegler: Israeli businessman whose company Naaman Group is remembered as a pioneering venture
• Ze’ev Spiegler: Israeli architect whose completed works include the Herodium National Park
• Caryn Spiegler: Malaysian actress who has starred in various films and television shows
• Scott Spiegler: American film and television producer whose credits include the Bones episode “The Cowboy in the Contest”
• Morris Spiegler: American folk singer-songwriter whose song “The Ballad of Willy White” was an American folk hit
• Alexander Spiegler: Austrian actor, best known for his role as Trudi the Clog Maker in the beloved Austrian Christmas movie The Sound of Music
• Gabe Spiegler: American professional soccer player who currently plays for MLS San Jose Earthquakes
• David Spiegler: Australian actor who became an international star after appearing in films such as The Omen
• Lara Spiegler: British political journalist and television presenter who is widely known for her BBC Reporting Scotland news programs

Other surnames

Spiegl