Stiller
A German occupational surname referring to a calm or quiet person, derived from the German word "still".
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 3,496 Americans carry the last name Stiller. That puts it at #10,615 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 1.02 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 98,042 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Stiller surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
3.5K
1 in 98,042
Census rank
#10,615
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
1.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
3.0K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 3,016 bearers of the surname Stiller in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 1.02 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 10615th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Stiller, the largest self-reported group is White at 90.0%. The next largest groups are Black (5.8%) and Two or More Races (1.7%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Stiller
The surname Stiller originated in Germany during the medieval period, specifically in the regions of Bavaria and Saxony. It is derived from the German word "Stille," which means "quiet" or "peaceful." This suggests that the name was initially given as a descriptive nickname to someone known for their calm and tranquil demeanor.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Stiller can be found in the Bavarian town records of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, dating back to the 14th century. These records mention a Hanns Stiller, a local merchant and landowner. Another early reference is found in the chronicles of the city of Leipzig, where a certain Konrad Stiller is mentioned as a respected citizen in the year 1412.
The Stiller name also appears in several historical documents related to the Protestant Reformation. During this period, a Lutheran theologian and reformer named Michael Stiller (1487-1567) played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Martin Luther in the region of Saxony. His writings and sermons were influential in shaping the religious landscape of the time.
In the 17th century, the name Stiller was associated with the town of Stillersgrun, located in the Vogtlandkreis region of Saxony. This place name is believed to have derived from the Stiller family, who were prominent landowners in the area. One notable member of this family was Hans Stiller (1592-1658), a successful merchant and civic leader who helped establish the town's prosperity.
Another prominent figure bearing the Stiller surname was Johann Jakob Stiller (1701-1781), a German composer and organist who served as the Kapellmeister (music director) at the court of the Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. His works, including numerous church cantatas and instrumental pieces, were highly regarded during his lifetime.
In the 19th century, the Stiller name gained recognition in the field of literature with the writer and poet Adalbert Stiller (1809-1863). Born in Dresden, Saxony, Stiller was known for his romantic poetry and is considered one of the foremost representatives of the "Young Germany" literary movement.
Throughout its history, the surname Stiller has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including craftsmen, scholars, artists, and professionals. While the name has maintained its stronghold in Germany, it has also spread to other parts of the world through emigration, particularly to North America and other European countries.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Stiller
Among Census respondents with the surname Stiller, the largest self-reported group is White at 90.0%. The next largest groups are Black (5.8%) and Two or More Races (1.7%).
The bar chart below shows how Stiller bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Stiller surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White90.0%
- Black or African American5.8%
- Two or more races1.7%
- Hispanic or Latino1.7%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.5%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.2%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Stiller surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #12,302 | #10,615 | 13.7% |
| Count | 2,318 | 3,016 | 30.1% |
| Per 100K | 0.86 | 1.02 | 18.6% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Stiller bearers went from 2,318 to 3,016 (+30.1% change). The surname moved up 1,687 positions in the national ranking, going from #12,302 to #10,615.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Stiller
FAQ
Stiller surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Stiller?
The surname Stiller holds position #10,615 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 3,496 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 1.02 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Stiller surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Stiller, the largest self-reported group is White at 90.0%. The next largest groups are Black (5.8%) and Two or More Races (1.7%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.