'Steiner' originates from German, specifically the word 'Stein' with the suffix '-er', where 'Stein' meant 'stone' and '-er' indicated 'one associated with' or 'from'.

'Steiner' changed from Middle High German 'steinære' (or related Germanic forms) into modern German 'Steiner' and was carried into English usage as a family name.

Initially, it meant 'stone-dweller' or 'stone-worker' (someone associated with stone), but over time it evolved into a hereditary surname 'Steiner' with the original occupational or locational sense largely reduced.