Surname Niessl - Meaning and Origin
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Niessl: What does the surname Niessl mean?
The last name Niessl is a German surname, with a modern prevalence of the name mostly in Germany and Austria. It is one of a few Satznamen, which is a type of surname derived from where the original bearer lived or worked. In this case, the name may be derived from an area around a ness, which could refer to a headland or promontory jutting out into a body of water. Alternatively, it might be a topographic name for someone who lived near a marshy area (a ness in German) or a nickname for someone with a “messy” hairdo.
The name may have also been a variant of the name Niessner, which comes from the Middle High German phrase niesen, meaning “to sneeze”, a common Germanic nickname. The name Niessl could therefore have been used to describe someone who had a habit of sneezing or someone with allergies.
The branch of the Niessl family in the Tyrol region of Austria is linked with the name von Niessl and has been recorded since the 15th century. The nobiliary particle von was granted by the Holy Roman Emperor to a court official.
The name is bearers of the name might have also been known for their occupation, such as a nieß (a personal clerk or copyist) or a naeß (a personal attendant or housekeeper). The name can also be used as an occupational name, denoting someone who worked with a ness or marsh.
It is most likely that the name Niessl had an occupational or topographical origin and may have referred to someone who lived near a promontory or marshland. The meaning of the name today is a connection to the family's ancestral home or ancestral profession.
Order DNA origin analysisNiessl: Where does the name Niessl come from?
The last name Niessl is most commonly found in Austria today, particularly around Vienna and Graz. There has been a small Niessl family in Austria since at least the 1600s. The Niessl family was initially part of the upper class and controlled several large estates when Austria was still part of the Habsburg Empire.
In the late 1800s, several members of the Niessl family emigrated to the United States. Today, the name Niessl can be found in the U.S. in areas including the Midwest, Texas, and California. Interestingly, the vast majority of Niessls outside of Austria, are all descended from the same Niessl ancestor who originally left Austria in the 1800s.
Though the last name Niessl is still quite rare even in Austria, it is still considered part of the general Austrian heritage. For example, Niessl is a popular first name within the Austrian Catholic Church, having 3rd and 4th century roots, and represents the name of a saint.
Though the name is still rare,it still holds great historical value and significance in both Austria and the U.S., with descendants of the original family proudly continuing on its traditions and name.
Variations of the surname Niessl
The surname Niessl has several variants and spellings that people from around the world may use when referring to their ancestry and family lineage. These variants of Niessl include Niesl, Nessel, Niels, Neilson, Neilsen, Nielsson, Nießl, Niesely, Neesel, Niesel, Nießen, Niereis, Niear, and Nirely.
The original spelling of the surname Niessl is German in origin and can be found in both Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The variations of this surname can be found throughout Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. A closer geographical region of recorded Niessl surnames is in Germany and the Netherlands.
The origin of the name Niessl is thought to trace back to the early Middle Ages in Europe. A main possibility is the version of the name comes from an old Germanic first name that is now considered a surname. In this case, the first name “Neils” might have been used as a first name and then became the surname Niessl. The name may also be derived from the Old High German word “nistal”, meaning a “glen.”
In addition, other spellings of the Niessl name can be found in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish records. In Swedish and Old Norse, the name is spelled Nieselung or Nielung. In Danish, it can be found as either Nielsen or Nielsdotter.
Niessl is not a very common surname, but it has many spellings and variations because of its Germanic origin. Since there is such a variety of spellings associated with the surname, many people may not even realize that they share this unique family name. Most people with this surname live either in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, but their influence reaches the far corners of the world.
Famous people with the name Niessl
- Johann Georg Niessl von Mayendorf (1844-1910): an Austro-Hungarian military leader who fought in numerous wars during the 19th century, and who was awarded a number of military honors.
- Albrecht von Niessl (1845-1918): an Austro-Hungarian general during World War I who was responsible for the imperial army’s retreat from Serbia in 1915.
- Arthur Niessl von Mayendorf (1852-1939): an Austro-Hungarian diplomat who served in the courts of Tsar Alexander III of Russia and King Frederick II of Prussia.
- Amalie Niessl von Mayendorf (1857-1921): a prominent Austrian opera singer who performed in numerous roles throughout Europe.
- Ludwig von Niessl (1862-1934): a renowned Viennese neurologist who is credited with the invention of a number of medical instruments.
- Oskar von Niessl (1865-1949): an Austrian industrialist who founded several successful businesses during the early 20th century.
- Karl von Niessl (1866-1925): a field marshall of the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I, who was posthumously awarded the highest military honor awarded by the empire.
- Eugen Niessl von Mayendorf (1900-1945): a noted Austrian composer who wrote music for films, opera, and theatre.
- Emil Niessl von Mayendorf (1916-1997): a prominent Austrian mountaineer who climbed numerous peaks throughout Europe.
- Erich von Niessl (1915-2004): one of the most highly decorated Austrian pilots in World War II, who was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.