Surname Zwiener - Meaning and Origin
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Zwiener: What does the surname Zwiener mean?
The last name Zwiener is thought to be of German origin. It is derived from the word "Zwinger," which means a small courtyard surrounded by walls within a castle. It is possible that the original bearer of the last name lived in or near this type of structure.
The surname Zwiener is also associated with the Jewish religion, as Jews were often given the label of "Zwingermann," meaning a keeper of a Zwinger or courtyard. This term was used in the Middle Ages to identify Jewish converts who took up residence within a city's walls.
The surname Zwiener is believed to have first appeared in 18th century Germany, after which it spread across Europe. During the early 20th century, a number of Zwiener families immigrated to the United States, primarily via Ellis Island, New York.
The Zwiener surname is found primarily in Germany, Austria, and the United States today. In the United States, the name is most common in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It is an uncommon name, with an estimated 4,000 people bearing the surname in the United States today.
Overall, the name Zwiener has quite a bit of history, and is associated with Jewish immigrants and German courtyards. It is not a common name, though it is found in countries all over the world.
Order DNA origin analysisZwiener: Where does the name Zwiener come from?
The surname Zwiener is most commonly found in Germany today. According to surnamedb.com, it is the 6,911th most frequent last name in Germany with an estimated 2,400 bearers living in that country. It is believed that the surname is of German origin, derived from the Old High German personal name Zwino. German records indicate that the name first appears in the 1300s and is most widely associated with the region of Bavaria.
The name also appears in records in other European countries, although much less frequently. It is present in records in Austria and Poland, as well as in the Netherlands, where it is most likely an adaptation of the original German spelling. Additionally, it is sporadically found in records in Switzerland, France, Belgium, Ireland, England, and Scotland. In the United States, the surname is present on several records, indicating it arrived in the country sometime in the 19th century.
Given its German origins, the last name Zwiener is most widespread in Germany and its nearby countries today. Bearers of the surname are scattered across the continent, but are most likely to be found in and around Bavaria in Germany.
Variations of the surname Zwiener
The surname Zwiener is of Germanic origin and is derived from the personal name Zwien meaning "two". It is thought to have been used originally as a short form of a compound given name. Variants of the surname Zwiener include Sevin, Saffin, Sevener, Ziener, Ziever, Zwier, Tsivner, Tsivin, Cwienie, Zefner, Zefenium, and Zophys.
The alternate spellings of Zwiener also include Zwener, Zweiner, Zwener, Zwiner, Zweener, Zwieiner, Zweeiner, Zweenner, Zeener, Zeiner, Zeener, and Zweener.
Surnames of the same origin as Zwiener include Zweig, Zwahlen, Zwack, Zwahle, Zweifel, Zweigler, Zwiefel, Zwirbl, Zwinck, and Zwolak.
The combination of the basic spelling Zwiener with common variants has created hundreds of variations used by modern day descendants. Examples include Zwienar, Zwieener, Zwonar, Zwayner, Zwaynar, Zwienner, Seveyner, Saffin, Sevynar, Ziener, Ziever, Tsivner, Tsivin, Cwienie, and Zefner.
Variations on Zwiener continue to increase as families spread and mix with other cultures, creating more unique surnames that retain the same common roots as Zwiener.
Famous people with the name Zwiener
- Timothy Zwiener: internationally renowned cellist and conductor.
- Brett Zwiener: former President of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
- Robert Zwiener: Hollywood musical composer who has collaborated with several directors.
- David Zwiener: American supersonic pilot.
- Kenneth Zwiener: former football quarterback.
- Bill Zwiener: Olympic track and field athlete.
- Daniel Zwiener: actor whose acting credits include two Dawson's Creek episodes.
- John Zwiener: modern artist who works in sculpture, photography, painting and photo prints.
- Robert Zwiener: filmmaker and film director whose works include Problem Child 2.
- Max Zwiener: German philosopher and author.