This website is one of two complementary websites maintained by the STEIERT Surname Research Project. This website is focused on the DNA Genealogy component of the project and is the primary site for the DNA information database. The second website (in German) is maintained on GenWiki. It can be accessed via one of the websites listed on the Links hotlink. It contains much of the same information as this website for the benefit of German speaking participants. Whether your interests are primarily in the DNA Genealogy or in the Traditional Genealogy aspects of this project, all participants are encouraged to visit and explore all websites in order to obtain the full scope and results of the STEIERT Surname Research Project The STEIERT Surname Research Project is designed to explore and document the relationships between the various STEIERT families and their surname variants. In addition to the most common STEIERT form, the other known forms of the surname are: STAIERT, STEUERT, STEYERT, STAYERT and STIERT. In addition to these modern forms, STEINHARDT and STEINHART were the original archaic forms from which the STEIERT surname was derived. While significantly different by modern spelling rules, they were at one time the same surname. It was spoken and pronounced the same, it sounded the same. The transformation from STEINHARDT to STEIERT appears to be a spelling transformation that sought to align the written form of the name with the spoken form, in which the "n", "h" and "d" were largely unvoiced. Interestingly enough, it is certain that this transformation from STEINHAR(D)T to STEIERT occurred elsewhere (for certain in Kirschzarten) at about the same time as the transformation occurred in Hinterzarten, but for some unknown reason, after one or two generations, the spelling reverted back to the original STEINHAR(D)T form. In any case, it seems certain that some STEIERTs (at least those tracing their ancestry to the village of Hinterzarten) are related to some STEINHAR(D)Ts. Conversely, it is also certain that all STEIERTs are not likely related to all STEINHAR(D)Ts. The STEINHAR(D)T surname appears to be derived from either personal characteristics of from geographic or place names where the original surname recipients lived and worked. It is likely that the surname arose independently in multiple locations across German speaking areas, thus precluding a recent genetic relationship. STEINHAR(D)Ts tracing their ancestry to the village of Kirchzarten and the surrounding area are the most likely to be related to STEIERTs. Unfortunately, there are no records linking the first STEINHAR(D)T arriving in Hinterzarten to STEINHAR(D)Ts living in Kirchzarten or for that matter elsewhere. Consequently the DNA component of the project will necessarily have to assume increased importance in order to establish and make connections between living descendants of the archaic and modern forms of the STEIERT surname. For now, because it is the most common form, STEIERT will be used as the all inclusive form to refer to all variants, including STEINHAR(D)Ts. In addition to the homeland of Germany, STEIERTs are found around the world. As always, the objectives of the STEIERT Surname Research Project are to continue to illuminate the origins and evolution of the STEIERT surname. By combining DNA with traditional genealogy, the project hopes to assist members in researching their own family histories and heritage in order to reach back to their common ancestors. Click on the BACKGROUND Tab above for more detailed information about the project. Click on the GOALS Tab above for the specific goals of the project Click on the LINKS hotlink at the left for additional websites and other papers about the STEIERT surname and the background behind the project website banner image and Coat-of-Arms.