Hostetler
An Americanized surname of Germanic origin, likely meaning someone who lived or worked at a hostel or lodging house.
The #2,490 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 21,285 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Hostetler is generally treated as an American form of a German surname built on a word for an inn, hostel, or lodging place. In that sense, it likely began as an occupational name for someone connected with keeping or serving at such a place. The final element -ler is a common German surname ending, often indicating a person associated with the root word.
History
The name is most strongly associated with German-speaking immigrants to North America, where spellings were often adjusted to fit English usage. It is especially familiar in Amish and Mennonite communities, where several German-derived surnames survived with relatively stable forms. The spelling Hostetler reflects that Americanization, and related forms are found in German-speaking Europe and among diaspora communities.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Hostetler is a good example of a surname that kept a very German look in America while still becoming a distinctly American family name.