Show ContentsSpinder History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Spinder

What does the name Spinder mean?

Bavaria, one of the oldest and largest of the German states, is the birthplace of the Spinder family. After the 12th century, hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules. Names derived from occupations were particularly common in this region. Spinder is an occupational surname for maker or user of spindles which is derived from the German word "spindel" of the same meaning.

Early Origins of the Spinder family

The surname Spinder was first found in Franconia, where the name Spindler emerged in mediaeval times as one of the notable families of the region. From the 13th century on, the surname was identified with the great social and economic evolution which made this territory a landmark contributor to the development of the nation.

Early History of the Spinder family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Spinder research. Another 124 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1647, 1722 and 1870 are included under the topic Early Spinder History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Spinder Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Spinder include Spindler, Spindel, Spindle, Spindeler, Spinder, Spingler, Spinlar and many more.

Early Notables of the Spinder family

Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Spinder Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Spinder migration to the United States +

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Spinders to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Spinder Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Ulrick Spinder, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1739
  • Ulrick Spinder, aged 23, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1739 1


  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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