The name Furstein 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."
The surname Furstein 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.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Furstein research. Another 117 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1347, 1524, 1757 and 1793 are included under the topic Early Furstein History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Feuerstein, Fürstein, Feuererstein, Feirerstein, Feuersten, Faierstein, Fayerstein and many more.
More information is included under the topic Early Furstein Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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.