Surname Schießl - Meaning and Origin

An enlightening journey with iGENEA: Discovering my Bavarian roots and the history of my Schießl surname

My DNA analysis at iGENEA was a captivating journey unveiling my root connections to German ancestry and the historical underpinnings of my Schießl surname. The outcome fortified my understanding of Bavaria's rich culture and traditions, my ancestral origin, and also sparked curiosity about my heritage, amplifying my affinity for the Schießl name.

M. Schießl

Schießl: What does the surname Schießl mean?

The surname Schießl is German in origin, derived from the word “schießen” which means “to shoot” or “to fire”. It is thought to have first been used as a name to refer to a person who was skilled in archery or as a soldier who had distinguished himself in battle. Over time it has spread throughout Germany and other German-speaking countries, including Austria and Switzerland.

Variations of the name include Schiessl, Schiess, Shüßl, Schiesser and Shipper. In some cases, the roots of the name were softened and the spelling changed to include a double “s” making the name appear more endearing. The double “s” spelling is usually seen on old documents such as birth, marriage and death records although the original spelling remains in use in some parts of Germany today.

The name can be found in most major cities and towns in Germany and Austrian speaking countries. An adventurer by the name of Christian Schiessl was the first to record his surname in America in 1752; he settled in Pennsylvania.

In the modern day, the surname Schießl is a proud reminder of its early days, often associated with strength and bravery. It is a reminder to those that bear the name of the achievements of their ancestors and to carry on their legacy.

Schießl: Where does the name Schießl come from?

The last name Schießl is most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Europe, particularly in Germany. According to the International Genealogical Index, it is the 1580th most common surname in the country.

The Landsagency Meistschule website reports that the name may be derived from an old German word meaning “debt” and suggests a link with the Middle German word “schioesel” which related to debts. This could suggest the name originated as an occupational name for a money lender or debt collector.

The use of the surnames Schießl (also spelled Schiessl, Schissl and Shissl) and its variants can be found in records dating back to the 16th century, indicating that the name has been in use for centuries. It can today be found primarily in Bavaria, located in the southeast of Germany, and also in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Saxony.

The town of Altomünster in Bavaria is believed to have a particularly large concentration of people with the name Schießl. However, the name has also spread to other parts of the world in recent years, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and France.

If you are tracing your family tree and believe the name Schießl is part of your ancestry, then you should search through historical records including civil registration records, church records, census records, and more. These often reveal valuable information about an ancestor's life, including when and where they were born, married, and died.

Variations of the surname Schießl

The surname Schießl is derived from the Old High German personal name Sciozlas, which is composed of two elements: the word sci, meaning “shouting” or “yelling” and the element las, meaning “helmet” or “sword”. It is likely that the surname was originally used to distinguish between two people with similar names.

The most common variant of the surname Schießl is Schiessl or Schiesser. Other variations of this surname include Schiesl, Schleisser, Scheessle, Scheisser, Schleiser, Schayßer and Schlasser.

This surname is also spelled differently in different parts of Europe. In Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, it is spelled as Schiessl, Schiesser, Schleisser, Schayßer, and Scheeßer. In North America and Russia, it is spelled as Schlesl, Schleser, Schleser, Schlese, and Schles.

Surnames that share the same origin as Schießl include Schilling, Schleicher, Schiele, Schlecht, Schmied, and Schick. The common thread among these surnames is the element “sch”, indicating skilled craftsmen and artisans.

The surname Schießl has a unique origin and is still used today in many countries around the world. Variations of this surname are found in North America, Europe, and Russia, with different fine nuances to the spelling.

Famous people with the name Schießl

• Thomas Schießl: Thomas Schießl is a German contemporary visual artist whose works have been featured in numerous magazine publications, galleries and museums around the world. He is known for his images that mix the real and surreal.
• Ludwig Schießl: Ludwig Schießl was a German academic, scientist, and theologian who taught at the University of Munich in the late 19th-century. He wrote many works in philosophy, archaeology, and theological studies, and regularly presented papers at the German Academy of Sciences.
• Karl Schießl: Karl Schießl was an Austrian novelist and short story writer, best known for his semi-autobiographical Rabbit Stories. His work was noted for its realism and satire and was popular in Europe in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Christine Schießl: Christine Schießl is an Austrian actress and theatre director, best known for her work in productions of Shakespeare's plays. Her commitment to theatre has seen her work on numerous stages around the world and has been the recipient of several awards recognising her excellence in the art form.
• Michael Schießl: Michael Schießl is an Austrian vocalist and composer, writing and producing his works across Europe. He has released several studio albums featuring soundtracks from some of his live performances.
• Theodor Schießl: Theodor Schießl was a German physician and medical researcher who was crucial to the development of medical science in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He conducted extensive research into diseases and treatments for them and was well known for his writings on medical topics.
• Claudia Schießl: Claudia Schießl is a Swiss fashion designer whose modern, edgy designs have become extremely sought after in Europe. Her architectural and structural approach to fashion has made her one of the most sought-after designers in the fashion world.

Other surnames

SchießSchießelSchießerSchießlbauerSchießleSchießlerSchießlingSchießwohl