Surname Dreiseidel - Meaning and Origin
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Dreiseidel: What does the surname Dreiseidel mean?
The last name Dreiseidel is a German surname that translates as “Three Candles.” It likely originates from the German words drei (three) and seidel (candles). It is believed that the surname was used to identify someone who made, sold, or used candles for their profession. This was likely most common in south and central Germany in centuries past.
The surname Dreiseidel also has religious connotations, as the Hanukkah menorah – a candle holder used for the Jewish holiday – is known as the Dreiseidel in Germany. This indicates that the surname may have a Jewish origin, as well.
Another possible origin for the name is as a nickname given to someone who scratched out a living. This interpretation is based on a traditional folktale from the Palatinate region of Germany, which states that in ancient times, Dreiseidels were poor people who split their candles in three to stretch them further.
However, because the origin of the surname is unclear, its exact meaning remains unknown. What is known is that the name is quite old and has likely been used by many generations of German families.
Order DNA origin analysisDreiseidel: Where does the name Dreiseidel come from?
The last name Dreiseidel is most commonly found in Germany today. There are records of the name as far back as the 13th century, making it one of the oldest family names in the country. Although it is somewhat rarely seen, Dreiseidel is still a well-known name.
In Germany, records of the surname have been found primarily in the areas of the Palatinate, Lower Saxony, and Thuringia. It appears particularly frequently in these central German regions, due to their shared history. The regions were first united under the rule of the Counts of Zweibrücken in the year 1276, before their ascendancy to Dukes in 1410. These shared historical factors have meant the surname Dreiseidel has become a part of the identity in the region.
The name has become less widespread in place of other surnames, as the family name has dropped in popularity, though it is still present throughout German society. People sporting the name oftentimes come from a cultural background of artisan craftsmanship; the name would have been held particularly high within that industry. This is further seen by the fact that, even after centuries of the family name existing in Germany, there is still no prominent surname-bearer in the country today.
Although the name is no longer prevalent in the way it once was, it is still a part of Germany’s varied cultural makeup. It still lives on in the palatinate region, and is carried forward for the generations to come.
Variations of the surname Dreiseidel
The surname Dreiseidel can have various spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common spellings include Dreisiedel, Dreisedl, Dreiseydel, Dreisiegel, and Dreiseigle.
The ancient origins of the surname can be traced back to Middle High German and stems from the words “drei” meaning “three” and “sìdel” meaning “sickle” or “sickle-shaped.” The name itself roughly translating to “three-sickle” or “three-sickle-shaped.”
The Dreiseidel surname can be found in various countries and cultures all over the world. In Germany, the name typically appears as Dreisiedel and the shortest version being “3S”. As the name spread, it began to be spelled differently in different regions. In the United States and into Canada, the Dreiseidel spelling became more common. In other countries such as Switzerland the spelling of Dreiseigle can be found.
After centuries of migration, the Dreiseidel surname is very difficult to track and the amount of spellings increases. As different cultures take up the spelling, there is potential for new variations to arise.
Variant spellings such as Dreiser, Dreissig, Dreiszegel, Dreyser, and Dressel may also arise. Additionally, surnames such as Dreizehn, Siebenborn, Seidel, and Siedel may carry familial connections to the Dreiseidel name.
Famous people with the name Dreiseidel
- Dan Dreiseidel: Former Head PGA Golf Professional, Certified Instructor, and founder of Dan Dreiseidel Golf.
- Scott Dreiseidel: Notable minister, theologian and professor of theology.
- Henry Dreiseidel: Civil War soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor.
- Jeff Dreiseidel: Scottish professional football goalkeeper.
- Ariana Dreiseidel: Singer-songwriter and TV personality.
- Abraham Dreiseidel: Writer and lawyer from Berlin.
- Leonard Dreiseidel: American lawyer and politician.
- Wolfgang Dreiseidel: Austrian actor.
- Elizaveta Dreiseidel: Coordinating Editor for British Vogue.
- Marie Dreiseidel: Noted German-American sculptor best known for her memorials and monuments.