The name Firestein derives from the German word "feuer" meaning "fire," and was probably an
occupational name for someone who worked with fire such as a smith, a fire lighter, or a person who took care of the heating a household. The word "stein" means "stone;" and so, together "feuer" and "stein," can mean "flint."
Early Origins of the Firestein family
The surname Firestein was first found in
Austria, where the family gained a significant reputation for its contributions to the emerging mediaeval society. The name became prominent as many branches of the family founded separate houses and acquired estates in various regions, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society. Individual bearers of the name first mentioned in ancient chronicles include Wernher Fürstein in 1160.
Early History of the Firestein family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Firestein research.
Another 233 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1347, 1524, 1757 and 1793 are included under the topic Early Firestein History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Firestein Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Feuerstein, Fürstein, Feuererstein, Feirerstein, Feuersten, Faierstein, Fayerstein and many more.
Early Notables of the Firestein family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Firestein Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Firestein family to the New World and Oceana
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Lorenz Feuerstein, who came to Pennsylvania in 1741; Johannes Feuerstein, his wife Augusta Maria and their two children, who settled in America in 1750.
Contemporary Notables of the name Firestein (post 1700)
- Jack Firestein (1917-2004), British Socialist and Labour activist