The Ziegler Coat of Arms and Name Meaning
Discover the meaning of Ziegler, its origins in Germany, and the story behind a Ziegler family crest.
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Origin of the Ziegler name
Ziegler is an occupational name for a brick or tile maker, from Middle High German ziegeler, based on ziegel, "tile, brick", a loan from Latin tegula. Fired roof tiles and bricks replaced thatch and timber in many towns after great fires, and the tile works was often a municipal enterprise. The name is most common in southern Germany, especially Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, and in Switzerland.
Where the Ziegler name comes from
A Ziegler made bricks or roof tiles (Ziegel), a trade found wherever towns grew in stone and clay country. The surname is therefore spread across southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria rather than tied to one village.
Forebears estimates around 65,000 Zieglers in Germany (ranked 88th), 4,500 in Switzerland and 3,800 in Austria. In the United States, where Pennsylvania German settlers brought it in the 18th century, the 2010 Census counted 25,351 people (ranked 1,400th), and the respelling Zeigler is common too. One early bearer in America, David Ziegler (1748–1811), served as an officer of the Continental Army and became the first mayor of Cincinnati.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Ziegler name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Ziegler name in Germany. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as Switzerland, Austria and the United States; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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The complete Ziegler pack goes much further: researched origins, early records and family spread, plus a hand-checked coat of arms.
Ziegler name FAQ
What does the Ziegler name mean?
Brick or tile maker. Common variants include Zeigler, Ziegeler, Zügel.
Where does the Ziegler surname come from?
It originates in Germany, and is also found in Switzerland, Austria and the United States.
Is there a Ziegler coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Ziegler crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Ziegler coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
What nationality is the name Ziegler?
German-speaking: it is most frequent in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Is Zeigler the same name as Ziegler?
Yes. Zeigler is an American spelling that arose from the same German occupational name.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Duden Familiennamen; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford). Facts and figures: Forebears surname distribution (estimates); US Census Bureau, 2010 surname file; Wikipedia, "Ziegler". Forebears figures are modelled estimates, rounded.