Show ContentsPfeiler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Pfeiler surname is derived from the Middle High German word "pfil," meaning "arrow;" and as such it is thought to have been either an occupational name for an arrowsmith, or a nickname for a tall thin man.

Early Origins of the Pfeiler family

The surname Pfeiler was first found in Bavaria, where the name Pfeil was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power.

Early History of the Pfeiler family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pfeiler research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1620, 1767 and 1786 are included under the topic Early Pfeiler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pfeiler Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Pfeil, Pffeil, Pfeill, Pfeile, Pfeiles, Pfeils, Pfeille, Pfeilse, Pffeils and many more.

Early Notables of the Pfeiler family

More information is included under the topic Early Pfeiler Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Pfeiler migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Pfeiler Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Johan Ludwig Pfeiler, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1773 1
Pfeiler Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Jos Pfeiler, who arrived in America in 1844-1845 1
  • Georg Pfeiler, who arrived in America in 1844-1845 1
  • Samuel Pfeiler, aged 24, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1871 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Pfeiler (post 1700) +

  • Jasmin Pfeiler (b. 1984), Austrian footballer who plays as a Goalkeeper for SKV Altenmarkt in the ÖFB-Frauenliga


  1. 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)


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