Surname Beierle - Meaning and Origin
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Beierle: What does the surname Beierle mean?
The last name Beierle is a German surname, likely derived from the Middle High German words “Beier” and “Leist” which together could mean a “leatherhead” or “one who wore protective leather armor”. The name is believed to have originated in the late middle ages when this type of armor was common among knights and warriors. As they gradually traveled and moved through Germany, the Beierle surname was adopted by various people living in different regions of the country.
Over the centuries, the Beierle family has grown exponentially. Indeed, the name likely has multiple different spellings used by its various branches around the world. Today, there are hundreds, if not thousands of people who carry the Beierle last name, mainly scattered throughout Germany and in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
For those tracing their genealogy, the Beierle name is particularly interesting given that it has spread so far and survived through so many generations. With every descendant of the original Beierle's comes a sense of pride in their long-standing German heritage and a curiosity to investigate the family’s long and varied history.
Order DNA origin analysisBeierle: Where does the name Beierle come from?
The last name Beierle is common today mainly in Germany and in some parts of Austria. It is believed to have its origin in what is now modern day Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg. It is of Germanic origin and is found among Germans of all religions.
In terms of the United States, the Beierle name is more commonly found in the middle and western parts of the country. Beierle has long been a popular name in Pennsylvania, with the towns of Jonesville, Binghamton and Portland all situated in the state’s eastern part. It is also quite popular in states such as Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin, with some branches of the family even being traced as far back as the late 1600s.
In Canada, Beierle is present in Ontario, where the city of Kitchener still stands as testament to the family’s presence in the province. It is also present in parts of Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia.
At a global level, the most populous Beierle presence is located in Germany. In Germany alone, more than five thousand Beierles have been documented and the country is an obvious first port of call for anyone researching the name’s history. From here, it appears to have spread throughout the world, with many different branches and sub-branches of the family springing up in countries as diverse as Australia, France, Mexico and even Indonesia.
Variations of the surname Beierle
Beierle is a German surname. Some alternative spellings and related surnames are Baeuryle, Beirer, Baeurle, Bihrle, Bairle, Bayrle, Beerle, Bairele, Beerli, Bairli, and Bairl.
Beierle is composed of the German words 'baeur' which means 'bear', and 'le' which translates to 'clearing' or 'meadow'. The surname is believed to have referred to someone who lived next to a bear clearing or by a meadow. Historically, surnames of this type were used to distinguish between people living in the same area who had the same given name.
The surname Beierle and its variants are still found predominantly in Germany, especially in areas close to the borders of Austria, Switzerland and Czechia. It is also found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Variants of the surname Beierle tend to relate to the French-style spellings of the same name. Baeuryle, Baeurle, and Bihrle may be related to a French-style spelling of the name, while Bairle, Bayrle, and Beerle could be related to an English-style spelling. Bairele, Beerli, Bairli, and Bairl are some of the other variations on the surname.
Beierle and its variants are examples of patronymic surnames, which are surname that were created from the given name of the father of the original bearer. This surname would have likely been applied to the sons of someone with the given name Beerl.
Famous people with the name Beierle
- John Beierle: American theoretical physicist, professor, and director of the Institute for Nuclear Theory at the University of Washington.
- Richard Beierle: American chemist, professor, and Nobel Prize laureate.
- Suzanne Beierle: American journalist and author.
- Alexandra Beierle: American model and television personality, best known as one of the stars of the E! reality television series WAGS LA.
- John Beierle: Austrian-American alpine skier, best known for his success in the downhill and slalom events.
- Christian Beierle: German musician, producer, and composer.
- Danny Beierle: American former professional ice hockey player most recently playing with the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes.
- Robert Beierle:Professional basketball coach, currently an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Nancy Beierle: American former professional soccer player, most recently playing for the Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League.
- William Beierle: American painter and printmaker, best known for his landscape works in the Hudson River style.