Surname Priester - Meaning and Origin
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Priester: What does the surname Priester mean?
Priester is a surname of German origin, derived from the word for 'priest'. It can refer to both Roman and Protestant clergy, as both religions have existed in German-speaking countries for centuries. It is likely that the family name originated from a person who was a priest in the past, either from a particular parish or monastery. The name could also originate from a former title in the clergy, such as a Papal Priest or Canon. In some cases, it may also have been used as a nickname to describe someone who exhibited certain characteristics associated with a priest, such as a pious attitude or a moral lifestyle.
The spelling of the name has varied over time, but the original German name is typically spelt 'Priester'. This is now also used in many countries, including the United States. Variations of the name found in other languages include 'Priester', 'Priestere', 'Preistare', 'Prister', 'Priestore' and 'Preist'.
Throughout history, the Priester name has been associated with many different professions and occupations. In earlier times, it may have been used to denote a family of high standing, particularly for those involved in the clergy, or else to refer to someone who was a leader in their community. In more recent times, the name has been associated with teachers and merchants.
In general, Priester is a widely recognized surname that is associated with people of great prominence and honor. It is an apt name for individuals hopefully living a life of integrity, faithfulness and virtue.
Order DNA origin analysisPriester: Where does the name Priester come from?
The last name Priester is most commonly found in German-speaking areas of Central and Eastern Europe. It is most prevalent in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. In Germany and Austria, the name is usually localized to areas around the Rhine River, including the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse.
In the United States, the Priester family name is particularly common among German Americans, especially in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, and Michigan. This is likely due to the large-scale immigration of German-speaking people to these states before and during the nineteenth century.
The name is also found in other parts of the world, such as Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Namibia. It was also brought to the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe by German settlers in the eighteenth century.
In total, there are currently around 40,000 people worldwide that share the last name Priester.
Variations of the surname Priester
The surname Priester is a German and Dutch occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "prester" meaning "priest". Common variants and alternate spellings of the surname Priester include Priest, Prestor, Preslar, Presler, Pressler, and Prestir.
In German-speaking countries, many families used the "zur" preposition to designate the origin of surnames. Some possible variations of the surname Priester in these countries include Preisterzur, Preistzur, Priestzur, Priesterzur, Preslarzur, and Preslerzur.
In the Netherlands, variants of the surname Priester may include Preist, Preis, Preisz, Prijs, Preijs, Pries, Prest, Presth, and Pris. Dutch surnames typically end in "-s" or "-sen", so the surnames Priesters and Pretzels may also be seen.
Variants of the surname Priester are also found in Scandinavian countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Possible spellings of the surname in these countries include Preström, Preströme, Preststroem, Priisto, Præstergaard, Prestgård, and Præster.
The same family of surnames Priester, Priest, and Prestor are also found in France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. In France, the spelling variation of Prist or Priest are most common. In Hungary, the surname may be spelled Príster or Prizter. The Czech variants are Přístor and Přístorová. The surname is also common in Austria, where Preister and Preisz may also be found. In Ireland, the surnames Priestor and Prestor are found. In Scotland, the spelling Prester or Prist may be seen. In the United States, common variations include Prestor, Preyster, Preist, and Preister.
Famous people with the name Priester
- Stephanie Priester: American actress of film and television.
- Dmytro Priester: Professional basketball player from Kiev, Ukraine.
- Ellery Priester: German archer whose career began in 2007.
- Lorraine Priester: American singer and songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio.
- Paul Priester: American saxophonist and trombonist.
- Jo Priester: American jazz vocalist and actor.
- Grant Priester: American actor and producer whose credits include ‘The Good Wife‘ and ’30 Rock’.
- Gail Priester: Retired American professional basketball player.
- Gregory Priester: American actor, known for his roles in films such as ‘The Island’ and ‘Terminator Salvation’.
- Charles Albert Priester: American Olympic track and field athlete who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
- Alexander Priester: Austrian pianist and composer who wrote many works for the piano.
- F-J Priester: Founder of the renowned French retail chain based in Paris.
- Carsie Blanton: American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who performs under the alias Priester.
- Gwen Priester: American actress who has had roles in films such as ‘Ghost World’ and ‘Greater’.
- Günther Priester: German track and field athlete and decathlete.