Surname Kirstätter - Meaning and Origin
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Kirstätter: What does the surname Kirstätter mean?
The last name Kirstätter is a German-language surname derived from Germanic elements. Its literal meaning is “Christ-farmer,” i.e., a farmer who held property in the name of Christ, and by doing so provided sustenance to the community. It might refer to a farmer who provided food for a church or to one who gave his excess to charities or the poor. It might also refer to a tenant who leased land from a landed aristocrat.
Historically, many Germans took on surnames, such as Kirstätter, because people wanted to mark and distinguish themselves from each other, especially after having been forced to leave their homeland. The surname Kirstätter likely comes from areas in and near what is now part of East Germany.
The surname Kirstätter appears to be quite uncommon, with only a small handful of individuals bearing it across the globe, most in Germany. Today, members of the Kirstätter family may have spread out geographically and across religious sects, but its origins have certainly been shaped by a common history and religious background—symbolically connecting one generation to the next.
Order DNA origin analysisKirstätter: Where does the name Kirstätter come from?
Kirstätter is an uncommon surname of German origin that is most commonly found in southeastern Germany, especially around the state of Bavaria. The spelling varies, sometimes appearing as Kirstetter, Kirstetterér, Kirchätter, Kistätter, Kitätter, Kirstaetter, and even Kirchatte. Within Germany, the surname is considered very rare and it is even rarer outside of Germany.
The surname Kirstätter is thought to have first appeared around the early to mid 1700s; research suggests the name likely originated with immigrants from nearby Austria and Switzerland. Over time, the name spread across the southeastern region of Germany, including parts of Austria, Switzerland, and even Poland.
Today, the surname remains rare outside of southeastern Germany, though it is generally more common within certain areas of the region. In particular, records reveal that the name is still widely found in Sabrina Schneider’s hometown of Cunnersdorf, Germany. Similarly, records show the name common in parts of northwestern Austria, Bavaria, Prussia, and Upper Silesia.
Overall, it is clear that Kirstätter remains an uncommon surname, though it is much more common in certain areas of southeastern Germany, especially around the Bavarian region.
Variations of the surname Kirstätter
The origins of the surname Kirstätter are German and various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin have evolved over time.
The original spelling of the surname is Kirstätter, which translates to mean “little tree” in German. Other variants of the name may include Kirchhätter, Kerstätter, Kießler, Kirstner, Kerstetter, and Kreshter. All of these names vary in spelling and sound, yet share the same root, meaning, and origins.
Variations on the spellings of Kirstätter also exist. Examples of these variations include Kirstaetter, Kaerstaetter, Kerstator, KIssler, Kitsler, keepter, and Kirchatter.
Similarly, surnames of the same origin are derived from Kirstätter. Examples of this include Kersting, Kersten, Kerstetter, Korsch, Kress, and Kritz. Over time, it is not uncommon for names such as these to evolve and become increasingly distinct.
Kirstätter is a unique and diverse surname, with many different spellings and variations. Through generations, the spelling of the surname has been modified and adapted, while its origins have always remained the same. Its German roots have also made it popular in Germany, as well as in other countries such as Switzerland and Austria.
Famous people with the name Kirstätter
- Bernd Kirstätter: Former German footballer who played for two clubs from 1985 to 1998.
- Gunther Kirstätter: A German printmaker specialized in woodcuts, lithographs and artist’s books.
- Einhart Kirstätter: German voice actor and director who worked in a number of TV shows, movies and video games.
- Ursula Kirstätter: Renowned abstract sculptor from Austria.
- Farina Kirstätter: Austrian fashion model who is a part of the famed IMG Models agency.
- Michael Kirstätter: German priest and former professor who is the current official representative of the Central Committee of German Catholics’ Social Alliance.
- Sonja Kirstätter: Professional tennis player from Germany who was a pro in the 1990s.
- Hans Kirstätter: German mountaineer and adventurer who has been on expeditions to some of the world’s highest peaks.
- Monika Kirstätter: Austrian architect and urban planner, founder of the firm Monika Kirstätter + Partner (MKP).
- Adalbert Kirstätter: Former leader of the German Army and politician who served as a Federal Chancellor from 1969 to 1974.