Surname Kirstein - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test: Journey of Discovery with Surprising Twists in the Kirstein Lineage

They say curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. This certainly was the case when I delved, nerves jingling, into exploring my genetic ancestry using an iGENEA DNA test. Unexpected turns were woven into the journey, all centered around the Kirstein lineage that represents part of my cultural heritage.

M. Kirstein

Kirstein: What does the surname Kirstein mean?

The surname Kirstein is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name Christopher and means “belonging to or descended from Christopher”. Christopher is derived from a Greek name meaning “bearing Christ.” This surname originated in Germany but has spread to other parts of the world through immigration.

The surname Kirstein is found in records that date back to the 1400s. At that time, it was used primarily in the southern parts of Germany. The name was likely used by those who lived near or in the Christian churches that were being established, particularly in Bavaria and Rhineland Palatinate.

Kirsteins today can be found in the United States, Canada, South Africa, and other countries. The name has also become more popular in recent years, as it has become the name of several notable individuals such as the American physicist Max Bryk and the fashion designer LizzyK.

Kirsteins can trace their history through surnames and records that go back several centuries. It is a clear indicator of family pride and a unique part of a person’s genealogical story and cultural heritage.

Kirstein: Where does the name Kirstein come from?

The last name Kirstein is of German origin and is still common in Germany today, especially in the northern states such as Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Munich and Thuringia. The name can also be found in other Germanic countries such as Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, as well as Netherlands and Denmark.

Outside of Europe, the name Kirstein is not as widely encountered; however, it is still found in countries with significant German speaking populations. In the United States, for example, the name Kirstein can be found in large cities such as New York, Chicago, and Houston. Additionally, there is a concentration of Kirstein families found in South America, in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.

In general, the presence of the surname Kirstein in other countries is likely due to the transnational migration of Germanic people during the 19th and 20th century. During this time, many German speaking people left their homes in search of more prosperous living conditions and opportunities, often settling in areas with already established German speaking populations. Evidence of this can seen in the geographic distribution of the name "Kirstein" today.

Variations of the surname Kirstein

The surname Kirstein is an occupational name for a church official or priest, deriving from the Middle High German word “kirchsteiner”. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Köster, Kisters, Kistner, Kistermann, Kierstein, Kircheisen, Kircheisenmann, Kirschen, Kirchner, Kirchschlager, Kirschmann, and Kresin.

Köster is the most frequently used variation in German-speaking countries. The surname literally translates to “priest” in German and is still relatively common in Germany today. Many people with this surname have roots in the Palatinate, Bavaria, and Hesse regions of Germany.

Kisters is the Dutch version of the surname and is typically found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and the United States. It is often translated as “church or parish servant” in Dutch.

Kistner is the most common variation of the surname in regions of central Europe and Eastern Europe including Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It is thought to have originated in Hungary and the Czech Republic, where it has been found since the 16th century.

Kistermann and Kierstein are further variations of the surname found in Germany, with both coming from German words referring to a “church servant”.

Kircheisen and Kircheisenmann are variations found in Austria and Switzerland, coming from the German word for “church servant”.

Kirschen and Kirchner are variations of the surname that have been found in various regions of Germany, including Bavaria, Saxony, and the Rhineland region. Both come from the Middle High German word for “church servant”.

Kirchschlager is a regional variation of the surname that has been found in Austria and Switzerland. It is derived from the German word for “church custodian”.

Kirschmann and Kresin are two more variations of this surname that are typically found in Germany. The former is derived from “churchman” and the latter from “church janitor”.

Famous people with the name Kirstein

• Lincoln Kirstein: A notable American arts patron, organizations founder, impresario, writer, and a major figure in 20th century dance. He was a co-founder of the New York City Ballet.
• Charles Kirstein: A Boston businessman, art dealer, trustee of the Museum of Fine Arts, and patron of the arts.
• Jessie Kirstein: An American film actress who appeared in "Adventureland" (2009).
• Leo Kirstein: A banker and philanthropist who was also a prolific fundraiser for arts organizations.
• William H. Kirstein: A noted film editor of the 1930s.
• Robert Kirstein: A record producer and co-founder of indie music label Rough Trade Records.
• Mike Kirstein: A former college basketball player and coach who served in then-Governor George Pataki's administration.
• Thomas Kirstein: A composer, music producer, songwriter, and musician who worked with prominent artists including the Beastie Boys, House of Pain, and Rage Against the Machine.
• Friedrich Penther Kirstein: A German mathematician and educator whose work focused on algebraic equations and solution methods.
• Jasmine Kirstein: An American author who has written numerous young adult novels.

Other surnames

KirsteKirstenKirstensenKirsterKirstetter