Zoellner History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The Zoellner family originated in Bavaria, Germany. As hereditary surnames were adopted in that area beginning in the 12th century, people were often identified by the kind of work they did. Zoellner is an occupational name for a toll-taker or tax gatherer. The Zoellner family became landed aristocrats and they resided in an elegant feudal manor on a vast estate in Bavaria.

Early Origins of the Zoellner family

The surname Zoellner was first found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their support in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses in Austria and Switzerland, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their quest for power. Chronicles first mention Eberhard Zollner of the town Eger on the border between Bavaria and Bohemia. Chronicles also mention Hartman der Zoller of Emmerdingen in 1392, and Johann Vryenstat der Czoellner of Liegnitz, Silesia in 1388.

Early History of the Zoellner family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Zoellner research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1671, 1793, 1822, 1834, 1868 and 1882 are included under the topic Early Zoellner History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Zoellner Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Zoellner include Zoller, Zoll, Zoeller, Zollner, Zolner, Zoll, Zoellner and many more.

Early Notables of the Zoellner family

Prominent among members of the name Zoellner in this period include

Friedrch Zoellner (1834-1882), a German astrophysicist, who composed the first photometric catalogue of the stars

Zoellner migration to the United States +

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Zoellners to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Zoellner Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Georg Peter Zoellner, who arrived in America in 1783 1
Johann Zoellner, who landed in America in 1783 1

Zoellner Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Jost Heinrich Zoellner and his wife Wilhelmine Kusser and their child to Texas in 1845
Anna Zoellner, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1845 aboard the ship "Georg Dillus"
Mr. Martin Zoellner, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1845 aboard the ship "Georg Dillus"
Hannchen Zoellner, who arrived in New York, NY in 1850 1
H Zoellner, who landed in New York, NY in 1853 1
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Citations +

Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)