Meissl

Meissl is a German-language surname. It is traditionally classified as an occupational name, likely derived from Meißel, the German word for chisel, or from the related form Meisel, referring to a craftsman who made or used chisels.

Variants of the name include Meisel, Meißl, Meisl, and Meissl (with or without diacritics). The spelling with ß is common in Austria and southern Germany, while non-diacritic forms are found elsewhere.

Geographic distribution: The name is most common in Austria and southern Germany, with smaller communities in northern Germany, Switzerland, and among descendants of emigrants to North America and other regions.

Because it is a Germanic surname, Meissl appears in historical records dating to the early modern period and has been borne by individuals in a variety of professions, including the arts, sciences, and public life.