Surname Schrittenlocher - Meaning and Origin

Schrittenlocher: What does the surname Schrittenlocher mean?

The last name Schrittenlocher is a German name meaning "step carpenter." This is an occupational surname, likely derived from an ancestor who had a job as a craftsman building staircases. The root words, “Schritten” and “Locher,” literally mean “stepper” and “driller” respectively.

The surname has its roots in the Middle Ages in Europe. At the time, many artisans were employed to create intricate wooden structures and staircases. These skilled craftsmen were referred to as “Schrittenlochers.” Needed in the construction of grand castles, fortified churches, and grand houses, Schrittenlochers were highly regarded and, in some periods, were the highest paid members of the guild.

The name is still used today, especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and as a result, most bearers of the surname come from the German-speaking countries. Schrittenlochers today are still highly regarded craftsmen, preserving the time-honored traditions of the surname.

Because the name has an occupational basis, it is likely that many members of the family remain involved in carpentry and staircase construction today. While the name might be unfamiliar to some, its origin provides an important insight into the world of woodworking and craftsmanship centuries ago.

Schrittenlocher: Where does the name Schrittenlocher come from?

The last name Schrittenlocher is common around the German-speaking region, especially in its original homeland, Germany, Austria and Northern Italy. Historically, the name was also common in Poland, Bulgaria, and in Eastern European countries.

Although records of the Schrittenlocher family date back centuries in German-speaking regions, more recently, the name is most widespread throughout areas with a large German immigrant population such as the United States, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand.

In the US, Schrittenlocher families can be traced back to the German states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Prussia. Many of these individuals emigrated mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries for economic, political and religious reasons. They settled in metropolitan areas such as New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Cleveland; as well as states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Due to dedicated resources relayed through genealogical organizations, and social media, it is currently much easier for descendants of the Schrittenlocher family to connect and explore family history. For example, there is a Schrittenlocher Illinois Facebook page as well as several individual’s pages with posts about their journeys to find more information about their ancestors.

In general, the Schrittenlocher family is still prominent in many countries in a variety of forms of record. Today their ancestry is still a valuable and cherished piece of the German history and is widely recognized and celebrated by many.

Variations of the surname Schrittenlocher

The surname Schrittenlocher has numerous variants, including Schrittwlycher, Schrittelyker, Schrittelygar, Schrittelygger, Schrittelykor, Schrittwöller, Schrittwoller, Schrittewöller, Schrittewollen, Schrittelychere, Schrittwöllin, and Schrittwöllen. It may also be spelled Schrettenlecker or Schrittenlecker.

Other similar surnames of the same origin include Schrettenlehner, Schrettenli, Schrettenlehener and Schrettenlühner. These surnames have roughly the same spelling and are of similar German origin.

Most of the variants and spellings of the surname Schrittenlocher are German in origin, but can be seen in other countries too. Particularly in the US, different spelling variants and even different surnames of the same origin can often be found.

The surname originated from the Middle High German word "schritenloecher", which means "ground ploughing". This was an agricultural practice in which the land was broken down with a wooden plough so that it could then be planted. Over time, this word evolved into various spellings and surnames.

The most notable thing about the surname Schrittenlocher is its rich history. It's one of the oldest names in Germany, having been used since the early Middle Ages. The surname is associated with people who had land and farmed it, making them part of the farming elite in many cases. This elite status has been passed down through the generations, thus making the Schrittenlocher family a very proud one.

Famous people with the name Schrittenlocher

• Bruce Schrittenlocher: American film and television director.
• Richard Schrittenlocher: American soldier and Medal of Honor recipient.
• Daniel Schrittenlocher: Austrian ice hockey player.
• Paul Schrittenlocher: American watercolorist, etcher, and draftsman.
• John Schrittenlocher: American WWII veteran and prisoner of war.
• Jason Schrittenlocher: American author and professional pilot.
• Mary Schrittenlocher: American artist and educator.
• Cindi Schrittenlocher: American Survivor contestant.
• George Schrittenlocher: American neurologist.
• Bobby Schrittenlocher: American rock musician.

Other surnames

Schrittenlochner