Surname Pfneissl - Meaning and Origin

Pfneissl: What does the surname Pfneissl mean?

Pfneissl is an Austrian surname of Germanic origin. It is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word ‘pfneisse’ which means ‘lorryman’ or 'driver’. It was a common occupational surname for someone who drove wagons, carriages, carts or other similar vehicles.

The name may also be associated with the Pfneissel Kirche, a church in the municipality of Mauerbach, Austria. It is said to have been named after a local family of the same name in the 14th century, however, this cannot be proven.

The surname Pfneissl is popular in various countries in Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic. It is believed that people who bear this surname share a common ancestor, although there may be some discrepancies in spelling.

Generally speaking, people bearing the surname Pfneissl are thought to be hardworking and reliable, traits which may have been passed through generations of lorrymen and drivers.

In general, the last name Pfneissl is an old and noble one, full of history which may take a great deal of research to uncover. Its origin and meaning can certainly spark conversations, and is bound to be an interesting topic among those who are interested in family history.

Pfneissl: Where does the name Pfneissl come from?

The last name Pfneissl is from Austria and is fairly uncommon outside of the country. Pfneissl is believed to originate from the Middle High German word "pfneizel" which means crumb or small piece. It is most common in parts of Austria and Bavaria, especially in the state of Upper Austria. Records from the 16th century suggest that Pfneissl is likely a name originating from local Austrian nobility. In the 20th century, many families bearing the last name moved to places like Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich.

The Pfneissl name spans diverse professions and can be found in areas such as construction, business, and the military. Today, the name is most concentrated in the Austrian states of Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Salzburg, and Vienna. Most Pfneissls found in Austria tend to come from the Upper Austria region.

Outside of Austria, Pfneissl is an uncommon name, but it can be found scattered in places such as Canada, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and throughout Europe. With the power of the internet, it has become easier to locate people bearing the name Pfneissl around the world. Naturally, most with the surname live in Austria, but the last name is fairly mobile and can be found in other places as well.

Variations of the surname Pfneissl

Pfneissl is an Austrian surname derived from an old spelling of Pfenning, a German term for a small coin.

Variations of the spelling Pfneissl include Phennissl, Phönissl, and Pfunnissl. These spelling variants are found primarily in Austria, Germany, and other German-speaking regions, as well as among German-American immigrants.

Surnames with similar origins and pronunciation can also be found in Austria and Germany, such as Pfenninger, Phöninger, Pfunctor, and Pfeiffer. These can all be traced to the same origin, as Pfenning is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic "pins" (“coin”). Similarly, surnames derived from Pfenning can also be found among Austria's Slovene and Croatian-speaking populations, such as Phanninger, Phünser, and Pfunser.

Pfneissl is also a surname found among Hungarian and Czech-speaking populations, particularly those of Hungarian, German, or Austrian descent. Variations are also found among various European countries, such as Peníšek, Penninger, and Fennimmer. It's also found in the United Kingdom, where the surname is sometimes spelled Pennissl.

However, no matter what the spelling variant is, Pfneissl ultimately traces its origin back to the same source: a small German coin.

Famous people with the name Pfneissl

• Georg Pfneissl (1907-1984) was an Austrian painter and graphic artist.
• Alfred Pfneissl (1820-1880) was an Austrian painter known for his depictions of the landscape.
• August Pfneissl (1845-1931) was an Austrian architectural and landscape painter.
• Karl Pfneissl (1863-1937) was an Austrian-German painter known for his pastoral and winter landscapes.
• Otto Pfneissl (1902-1986) was an Austrian painter and graphic artist.
• Rudolf Pfneissl (1897-1965) was an Austrian painter and graphic artist known for his cityscapes and landscapes.
• Aino Pfneissl (1888-1962) was a Finnish painter known for her portraits of women and children.
• Herman Pfneissl (1860-1927) was a German painter, printmaker, and professor of art.
• Dora Pfneissl (1919-2005) was an Austrian sculptor.
• Hanns Pfneissl (1913-1997) was an Austrian graphic designer and typographer.

Other surnames

Pfneisl