Surname Feierlein - Meaning and Origin

Feierlein: What does the surname Feierlein mean?

The last name Feierlein is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word ‘virelen’, meaning ‘to celebrate’ or ‘have a party’. This name is also related to the surname Feierabend, which is similar, but means ‘time for leisure’ or ‘evening’s rest’. The name originated as a nickname for someone who enjoyed socializing and partying with their friends. This could have also been a sign of status symbol or even a sign of wealth within German society.

The surname Feierlein is primarily found in German-speaking regions, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found in other countries such as The United States, Canada, and The United Kingdom. In The United States, the surname Feierlein is most common in Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Ohio.

The surname may also have variations in spelling, ranging from Feierlein, Feyrlein, Feierle, and Feierling. Additionally, other variations may include Feierlin or Feirlin.

The Feierlein surname carries a rich history of culture and heritage. Its roots reflect the joy and hospitality that is deeply-ingrained within the German people and culture. Those that carry this surname, can be proud that their name has been part of German culture for centuries.

Feierlein: Where does the name Feierlein come from?

The last name Feierlein is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. It is also relatively common in South Africa and Australia, where a small number of families with this surname emigrated from Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the name is much less common, but there is a notable concentration of people who carry it in some Midwestern states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, and Iowa.

In 2020, the surname Feierlein ranks among the top 10,000 surnames in the United States, with about 500 people carrying the name. The name also appears throughout Europe, placing in the top 2000-3000 surnames in Germany and Austria, and the top 15,000-20,000 surnames in the Czech Republic. In terms of geographic distribution, the name Feierlein is most commonly found in rural parts of the United States and Europe, with a higher concentration in small towns and villages.

The origin of the Feierlein surname is likely Germanic, suggesting that it originated in the region hundreds of years ago. It is related to the words fierlein, meaning 'litte ferret' in German, and feier, translating to 'festival day'. Thus, the name may have been given to an individual in olden times as a reference to a particular festival day or celebration.

Variations of the surname Feierlein

The surname Feierlein is believed to have multiple variants, spellings, and origins. The most commonly accepted spelling is Feierlein, although it has a variety of variations including Feyerle, Fiehrlein, Feyerlein, Feyerly, Feiherlein, Feierlay, Fiala, Fiale, Feierl, Feierly, and Feyerling.

Given its multiple spellings, the surname Feierlein can be traced back to a variety of locations in Europe, often originating in Germany and surrounding areas.

The different variations of this surname are believed to have arisen from the German language, given that it is a combination of two words: "feier" (to celebrate) and "lein" (little). This combination created a surname meaning someone who "celebrates little things", suggesting a joyful person.

The original Feierlein surname was also used interchangeably with other German surnames that share similar roots, such as Fehli, Fiyerli, Feli, Feyerlin, and Feeherlein. In addition, other different variations of the original surname have also been found in nearby countries, like Feierla in Austria and Finland.

Surname variants can also change due to immigration and migration patterns. In the United States, the Feierlein surname was often Anglicized to the variation Feerlein. As German immigrants settled in America, the Feerlein spelling became common in many areas.

In conclusion, the surname Feierlein has seen many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These surnames often arise from the German language, and migrate to other countries due to immigration and migration patterns.

Famous people with the name Feierlein

• Stephen Feierlein: Stephen Feierlein is an American film and television actor known for his work in the films Garden State, Hitch, and The Wolf of Wall Street.
• Frank Feierlein: Frank Feierlein is a former Major League Baseball player who played catcher for five seasons from 1901 to 1906 for the Boston Beaneaters, Washington Senators, Baltimore Orioles, and Cleveland Bronchos.
• Stephanie Feierlein: Stephanie Feierlein is an American actress. She is known for her recurring role as Detective Mayer on Without a Trace and guest starring roles on NYPD Blue, House M.D., Cold Case and Law and Order.
• Bernhard Feierlein: Bernhard Feierlein is an Austrian professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for EHC Black Wings Linz in the Austrian Hockey League.
• Peter Feierlein: Peter Feierlein is an American professional bridge player and author of several books on the subject. He is a four-time world champion in the game, with multiple world and national titles in various events.
• August Feierlein: August Feierlein was the founder of Baltimore's first public German library, located in the rear of the German Benefit and Underwriters' Insurance Company building at 234 W. Saratoga Street.
• Adam Feierlein: Adam Feierlein is an American professional wrestler best known by his ring name Adam Cole who is currently signed to Ring of Honor.
• Alex Feierlein: Alex Feierlein is a former professional soccer goalkeeper who spent two years with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League in the 1980s.

Other surnames

Feierle