It is confusing. I don't think there is any actual connection between the English and German families - although the the Latin root of both "Pyle" and "Pfeil" is the same. Both names derive from the Latin word "pilum," meaning a sharp shaft. The English name designated someone who lived at or near a pile - a dwelling enclosed with a palisade of piles, sharpened logs driven into the ground. The German name, Pfeil, means arrow and designates someone who made arrows or other weapons. The corresponding English name would be Fletcher. I believe the Fentress County family founded by Coonrod (Conrad) and my Sullivan County family founded by George are related. Charles Pyle Richmond, VA