Surname Droll - Meaning and Origin
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Droll: What does the surname Droll mean?
The last name Droll is of German origin and has primarily been found in Southern Germany. It is a habitational name, derived from dwelling on or near a hill formerly known as the ‘Droll’ in Baden-Wuerttemberg. The word ‘droll’ is steeped in mystery—while its exact derivation remains uncertain, it is thought to come from an old Germanic word meaning ‘a swimmer’.
Over time, the name is thought to have evolved to mean a humorous or entertaining person. It is not better described in German as an expression of jest, a funny anecdote or a joke.
The surname Droll could describe an amusing individual or family—one that is entertaining and witty. It could also suggest a cheery personality and an appreciation of life’s lighter moments.
In terms of its meaning, many relate the name to themes of playfulness, humor and the appreciation of life’s smaller moments. As a sign of respect, it has been used as a nickname for those who bring joy to others, such as comedic or comic actors and ministers.
Overall, the surname Droll is thought to be a reflection of good cheer, humor and entertainment—traits that are often associated with a happy and thriving family.
Order DNA origin analysisDroll: Where does the name Droll come from?
The surname Droll is believed to be of Germanic origin, and is most commonly found in Germany and several of its surrounding countries today. Specifically, most people with the surname Droll inhabit Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Other places where this last name is still prevalent today include parts of the United Kingdom, specifically England, Scotland, and Wales. In addition, there are still some Drolls living in other regions of Europe such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway.
In terms of the United States of America, the surname Droll is fairly rare. The most common state for Drolls in the United States is Ohio, with other states such as New York, Illinois, and Michigan also boasting a noteworthy number of people with this surname. It is also common in Canada, specifically in the province of Ontario.
In any case, it is clear that the surname Droll is still found in several countries, with Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic having the most residents with the name. As for North America, the United States has the most Drolls, with Ohio being the most notable region.
Variations of the surname Droll
The surname Droll is believed to have derived from the German word “drehle,” which means “the person who turns the wheel” or “the person who rotates.” The first recorded spelling of the name is attributed to be from 1620, and it is commonly suggested that the name developed when an ancestor whose occupation revolved around a wheel. Variants and spellings of the same origin include Drehle, Dröhl, Drehl, Dreil, Drella, Tröll, Dreule, Dreule, Tröle, Drehl, Drealing, Dreiling and Dreiling. The surname Droll is still living in Germany, although its frequency is not particularly high. In the United States, the variant spelling and pronunciation “Troll” is widely popular. Other common variations include the surnames Trollan, Trollen, and Trolli.
The surname Droll is also present in some form in other parts of Europe and the world. One of the variants seen is the French spelling “Drollo.” Other variants include the Olde English 'Trollamoor,’ Dutch 'Troeume,’ ‘Drolli’ in Italy, ‘Trollolli’ in Spanish, and ‘Drowle’ in England. It’s even found today in some parts of Canada, spelled ‘Dralle’.
Droll is not an especially common name, however, it is still represented in many different forms and countries across the globe. Although many variations may look and sound entirely different, they all likely derive from the same origins and may indicate a shared family heritage and history.
Famous people with the name Droll
- Elijah Droll: an American YouTuber and Twitch streamer who creates comedy gaming videos.
- Robert Droll: American actor and writer, best known for his roles in Star Trek Deep Space 9.
- Daniel Droll: World War II-era photographer and portrait artist.
- John Droll: American painter and draftsman, best known for his social commentary paintings.
- Franz Droll: 19th century German Bohemian sculptor and medal engraver.
- Jacob Droll: German Renaissance painter, sculptor and printmaker.
- Carl Droll: 19th century German landscape painter and etcher.
- Heinrich Droll: 15th century German painter and illustrator.
- Peter Droll: German-American portrait painter of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 10.Karl Droll: German photographer who took landscape and architectural photos in the late 19th century.