Surname Steige - Meaning and Origin
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Steige: What does the surname Steige mean?
The surname Steige (also spelled Steig) is of German origin. It is from a nickname derived from the Old German word "steigen," meaning to ascend or to climb. It was most likely an occupational name for someone who belonged to or worked in an upper class position, such as a magistrate or other court official. As such, it can also have a connotation of someone in a position of trust and responsibility.
In some cases, Beam, Stiegh, and Steig can also be variants of this surname. Beyond its German roots, the surname can also be found in other countries, notably Scandinavian and other European countries with German-speaking populations. All of the variants and non-German variants mean the same thing, which is a nickname to describe climbing or ascending.
The name can also be seen in various spellings, depending on regional dialects of the time. Although it is an uncommon name, it has a notable history in Germany and other German-speaking regions as a well-respected surname. Anyone with the last name Steige or Steig can consider themselves part of a distinguished line of climbers whose journey continues to this day.
Order DNA origin analysisSteige: Where does the name Steige come from?
The last name Steige is most commonly associated with Bavaria, a state in Southern Germany. It is estimated that the Steige surname originated near the city of Augsburg, which was first mentioned in 8 a.d.
The name is believed to be derived from the old German word “steiga”, which meant “stairway” or “step”. Ancient records indicate that people with the last name Steige were involved in building construction and engineering in the region.
Today, the surname Steige is most commonly encountered in the areas of Bavaria, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. It remains a fairly common surname across Germany, although its usage has decreased in recent years, likely due to the increase in immigration. It is also fairly common in Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
In the United States, the Steige surname is not as common as it is in its country of origin. The Steige surname is primarily found in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where German immigrants settled during the 1700s and 1800s. It is estimated that there are currently around 1800 people living in the United States with the last name Steige.
Variations of the surname Steige
Steige is an occupational surname and is derived from the Middle High German ‘stiegen’ and ‘stiege’, which mean ‘stairs and ladder’. It refers to a person who worked as a stair-builder or manufacturer of stairs. The spelling variants for Steige are Steigen, Steig, Stiegen, Stiege, and Stig.
The surname Steige and its variants can also be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe. In the United States, the Steige surname is less common. Variations of the surname include Steigle, Steigley, Stigel, Stiggell,Steigman, Steigmann, Steigemann, and Steiger.
The Dutch and Frisian equivalents of the surname are Steiging, Steigenga, and Steigers. In Austria the surname is also spelled as Steiger or Stieger. In Switzerland, the surnames Steiger and Stieger are also common.
In Scotland, the surname Steige is mostly found in the Lowland areas and is derived from the Middle English word ‘stege’, meaning ‘rope’. Its variations in Scotland are Steig, Steege, Steage, Stig, and Stige.
The surname Steige, its spellings, and variants are found in various countries all over Europe. Alternative spellings of the surname signify familial or geographical origin.
Famous people with the name Steige
- Billie Joe Armstrong: American singer, songwriter, musician and actor best known as the co-lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and guitarist of the punk rock band Green Day.
- Mathew Steige: Lead vocalist of the Australian pop-punk band The Faim.
- Richard Steige: expert in military and diplomatic history as well as a professional musician, keyboardist, and entertainer.
- Wynsome Steige: Hollywood costume designer best known for The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and for her costume designs for the Disney film, Enchanted (2007).
- Sebastian Steige: German sculptor and painter best known for his modern, abstract sculptures.
- Christoffer Steige: Swedish theatre director, producer and artistic director, and Graduate School Professor at Sweden’s Royal Dramatic Theatre Academy.
- Leif Steige: Swedish diplomat and former Ambassador of Sweden to China and the United States of America.
- Jennifer Steigelman: American television writer and producer, best known for writing and producing numerous episodes of the successful CW drama, Gossip Girl.
- Andrew Steige: American actor who has been featured in films such as Elbow Grease (2009) and Protein Shake (2013).
- Claudia Steige: Swiss painter and sculptor best known for her abstract and surreal works featuring themes of fantasy, dreams, and nature.