Surname Pils - Meaning and Origin
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Pils: What does the surname Pils mean?
The last name Pils is of German origin. It is derived from the Old German word piles, meaning “fox.” The name came into use in the 14th century as a surname, likely due to a person’s physical appearance or habits closely resembling that of a fox, or because they lived in an area where foxes were prominent. The family who holds the name likely has a herd of foxes in its ancestry.
Over the years, the surname Pils has also evolved to include other variations from various parts of Europe, such as Piihl, Piel, Pilz and Pilzbaum. These variations have been found in areas such as Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
As a surname, the Pils family is one of the oldest recorded in Germany. While the name may not have been common in other nations, it is one of the most widely recognized in Germany, with records as far back as 1397.
Regardless of a person’s geographic location today, being part of the Pils family means they are part of a long and storied line of fox hunters and a proud history. The surname has evolved over centuries, but the tradition of a Pils family’s connection to foxes remains the same today.
Order DNA origin analysisPils: Where does the name Pils come from?
The last name Pils is most commonly found in the Central European countries of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. It is believed the name originated in German-speaking regions, where it may have derived from the Latin word for beer, "pilsner".
In Germany, the last name is more commonly spelled Pils, but in the Czech Republic it may be spelled Píls, Pilsky or Pilš. Its prevalence in Austria is highest in the states of Styria, Salzburg and Lower Austria.
The name is also found in France, particularly Alsace, where many of the original immigrants from Germany settled during the 19th century. Additionally, due to more recent international migration, the Pils family can also be found in other more widespread parts of Europe, such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain.
Outside of Europe, the last name is quite uncommon. In the United States, the spelling Pils has been found in states such as Louisiana, Tennessee, and Ohio. In Canada, variations of the name, such as Pile, have been recorded.
Research also indicates that the Pils family are of Jewish origin. During and after the Holocaust, many Jews emigrated to different countries, with the Pils family among them. Today, the last name can also be found in Israel and the U.S.
Overall, the last name Pils is most frequently found in Central European countries, as well as a scattering of other places due to emigration and international migration.
Variations of the surname Pils
The surname Pils is a German and Dutch patronymic surname that originated from the given name “Pille”. It is derived from the German name Pilgram, which is a male form of the name Brigitta, meaning “exalted one”. There is also an old French given name “Pillette”, which is a diminutive form of Pille.
Common variants of the surname Pils include Pilger, Pill, Pilles, Pillus, Pilsman, Pilz, Pilzner, Pilcher, Pilgner, Pilzmann, Pilchermann, Pile, Piles, and Pilser. In addition, spellings which can be found in other countries include the Dutch Pijls and the Luxembourgian Pill.
Surnames of the same origin include Pill, Pillay, Piller, Piters, Pills, Pilet, Pilloud, Pillard, Pillot, Petticher, Pettis, Peders, Peetersen, Peitz, Peltz, Pietz, Plut, Pietsch, Pietschetz, and Poeltz.
Famous people with the name Pils
- Friedrich Wilhelm Pils: a German landscape and cityscape painter based in Berlin.
- Trent Pils: an Australian professional lacrosse player.
- Kyle Pilsher: a professional power boat racer.
- Fernando Pils: a Spanish-born professional poker player.
- Dominik Pils: trombonist and member of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Raymond Pils: a French racing driver.
- Paulo Pils: a Brazilian DJ and producer.
- Evelin Pils: a German alpine ski racer.
- Pierre Pils: a Belgian professional cyclist.
- Andrea Pils: a Swiss professional tennis player.
- Yves Pils: a French theatre director and playwright.
- Jean-Jacques Pils: a French film and theatre director.
- Aly Pils: an animated virtual character from Germany.
- Bunny Pils: a UK-based dubstep artist and producer.