Surname Schleier - Meaning and Origin
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Schleier: What does the surname Schleier mean?
The last name Schleier is of German origin and derives from the word schleier, meaning “veil” or “curtain.” It is a habitational name, likely given to someone who lived in a place that featured a curtain or veil, such as a mansion or a castle. It is also possible that the name is an occupational reference, describing someone who made or worked with curtains or veils in some professional way.
The Schleier surname is found throughout Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Hungary. It is fairly widespread in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Illinois.
The Schleier family name has been around for centuries and holds much cultural history. It is a classic example of how surnames evolved and were eventually established as family names. It was originally used to describe a family or clan who had a collective occupation or geographical area they lived in.
The Schleier last name is associated with many notable figures, including U.S. Army General Joseph Schleier, Austrian-Czech geographer Renata Schleier, as well as one of the parents in the German-language film Good Bye Lenin! directed by Wolfgang Becker.
Schleier may have its roots in Germany, but it is a surname that has crossed borders and become quite popular, making it a perfect example of an international sink-name.
Order DNA origin analysisSchleier: Where does the name Schleier come from?
Schleier is an uncommon name today. It is most commonly found in areas of Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland. In Germany, it is particularly prevalent around the states of Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia.
The origin of the name is unclear. It has either German or Jewish roots, and may derive from the term “Schleiermacher,” which refers to a fabric merchant. It may also originate from the term “schlemmer,” meaning glutton or epicure. It is possible that the name descended from a notable person of the same name who lived during the 14th century.
In modern times, Schleier is an uncommon name, but there have been a few prominent people who have carried the name. Fritz Schleier (1896-1962) was a German writer who specialized in travel books and won the highly coveted Goethe Prize in 1956. Emil Schleier (born 1926) served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later became a noted painter.
Schleier may have once been a common name in certain parts of Europe, but it is now much rarer. Despite this, it is still possible to find people bearing the name in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Variations of the surname Schleier
The surname Schleier is of German origin and comes from the Middle High German word “slîere”, meaning veil. It is an occupational name referring to someone who made or sold veils, or was a haberdasher. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Schleier include Schleer, Schleyer, Schlier, Schlyer, Schleir, Schleirr, Schlair, Shleer, Shleyer, Shlier, Shlyer, Shleir, Shleirr, and Shlair.
Schleier has also evolved to a variety of surnames in other languages, with similar spellings and pronunciations. In Dutch, it is Schleijer; in Czech, it is Zlejr or Šlejr; in Danish, it is Släjer, Slejer, Schlejer, or Szlejr; and in Yiddish, it is Schlejer.
Other surnames of similar origin include Schleicher, Schleich, Sleicher, Sleich, Slinger, Sleiger, and Slinger. These are occupational surnames referring to either a slinger (one who shoots catapults) or a slaggerer (one who uses slings).
The variants of Schleier have been divided into four regions: Old High German, Middle High German, Modern German, and non-German. Those surnames classified as Old High German include Schleyer, Sleiger, and Slinger. Those classified as Middle High German include Schleier, Schleyer, Schlier, Schlyer, Schleir, Schlair, Schleicher, Schleich, and Sleicher. Those classified as modern German include Shleer, Shleyer, Shlier, Shlyer, Shleir, Shlair, Sleich, and Släjer. And the non-German variants include Schleijer, Zlejr, Šlejr, Slejer, and Schlejer.
Overall, the surnameSchleier has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, from different regions and languages.
Famous people with the name Schleier
- Yaakov Schleier: Award-winning journalist and author of "The Secret Files of the Haredi World".
- Cheryl Schleier: Award-winning author of books on life, spirituality, and parenting.
- Fritz Schleier: German fencing master and author of a fencing manual published in 1646.
- Richard Schleier: Noted Swiss rabbi, Jewish theologian, and scholar.
- Sarah Schleier-Smith: Award-winning filmmaker and media-maker whose work explores social and cultural issues.
- Liz Schleier: American comedy actress and cast member of Upright Citizens Brigade.
- RJ Schleier: Creator and host of the popular podcast “Clueful Living.”
- Kurt Schleier: Psychologist and trauma therapist celebrated for his groundbreaking work on post-traumatic stress.
- Michael Schleier: Noted German singer-songwriter with a passion for smooth jazz and love songs.
- Gilda Schleier: German playwright who has enjoyed an acclaimed career in theater.