Show ContentsZaiser History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Zaiser

What does the name Zaiser mean?

There are a few possible derivations for the Zaiser surname. In some instances, it may have evolved from the Middle High German word "zeisen" meaning "to pick," in which case it may have been an occupational name, or perhaps used figuratively as a nickname which later became a surname. Or, Zaiser may come from the Middle High German word "zeiz" meaning "graceful, tender or gentle."

Early Origins of the Zaiser family

The surname Zaiser was first found in Wuerttemberg, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Chronicles first mention Konrad Zeisolf of Mannheim in 1307, Ebelin Zeizolf of the ancient imperial city of Worms in 1234, and there is a town in Wuerttemberg called Zeizolfswiler.

Early History of the Zaiser family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Zaiser research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1818, 1846 and 1888 are included under the topic Early Zaiser History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Zaiser Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Zeiss, Zeisse, Zeis, Zaiss, Zaisse, Zais, Zaissle, Zeissle, Zeissler, Zeissolf, Zeizolf, Zaiser, Zaisz, Zaisser, Zeiz and many more.

Early Notables of the Zaiser family

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


Zaiser migration to the United States +



Zaiser Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Christ Zaiser, who arrived in America in 1853 1
  • John Zaiser, who landed in Illinois in 1860 1
  • Louis Zaiser, who settled in Philadelphia in 1868


  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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