Find out how popular the last name Pfaehler is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Pfaehler.

Pfaehler, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Pfaehler surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Pfaehler in America

Pfaehler is the 143847th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Pfaehler surname appeared 106 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Pfaehler.

The history of the last name Pfaehler

The surname Pfaehler traces its origins to Germany, specifically from the southern regions such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, around the late Middle Ages, approximately the 14th to 15th centuries. Historically, German surnames often derived from occupations, geographical features, or characteristics, and Pfaehler is no exception. The name is derived from the Middle High German word pfel, meaning 'post' or 'stake.' It is likely occupational, referring to someone who made or installed stakes or posts, which were essential for various agricultural or construction purposes.

Throughout history, the name Pfaehler has appeared in several records and manuscripts. One of the earliest mentions dates back to the 16th century in Baden-Württemberg, where a Hans Pfaehler is documented in local tax records from 1563. As time progressed, variations of the surname appeared in church registers and town records, particularly because spelling was not standardized, and local dialects influenced how names were written.

In addition to these early references, records from the 17th century often list the Pfaehler surname in conjunction with land deeds and property transactions. For instance, Georg Pfaehler, born in 1620 and died in 1684, was a known landowner in a small village near Augsburg. Historical military records from the Thirty Years' War also mention a soldier named Matthias Pfaehler, who fought in the early 17th century. His service records indicate he was part of a regiment from Baden-Württemberg.

By the 18th century, the surname had become more established, with several individuals emerging as notable figures. One such person was Johann Pfaehler, a Lutheran pastor born in 1715, who documented local history and contributed to the area's religious and educational development until his death in 1780. In the arts, Maria Pfaehler, born in 1753, gained recognition as a painter and sculptor in Munich, where she created various works that reflected the region's cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the surname Pfaehler also appears in academic circles in the 19th century. Friedrich Pfaehler, born in 1821, was a prominent botanist who published several influential works on alpine flora and passed away in 1887. His contributions to the field were recognized through numerous awards and honorary memberships in scientific societies across Europe.

The surname has thus a rich history grounded in occupational origins and has been borne by several notable individuals through the centuries. From landowners and soldiers to pastors, artists, and scientists, the surname Pfaehler has made its mark in various domains, reflecting the diverse contributions of its bearers to German history and culture.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Pfaehler

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Pfaehler.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Pfaehler was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Pfaehler was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Pfaehler, please contact us.

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