Stiller

Stiller is a surname of German origin. It likely derives from a descriptive nickname for a quiet or calm person, from the German word still meaning quiet or peaceful. The suffix -er is common in Germanic surnames and often denotes an association with the quality or occupation described by the root.

The name is found in German-speaking countries and among descendants of German and Ashkenazi Jewish emigrants. In the United States, it is present in communities with German heritage and has spread to other countries through immigration and diaspora.

Notable people with the surname include Ben Stiller (born 1965), an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker; Jerry Stiller (1927–2020), an American actor and comedian; and Amy Stiller (born 1961), an American actress. Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were the parents of Ben and Amy, linking the family across generations of entertainment.