The spelling of the word "staehli" may seem unusual, but it is actually based on its pronunciation. The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈsteɪli/, which shows that the "ae" combination represents the long "a" sound (as in "date"), while the "h" is silent. The use of an "i" at the end further indicates that the word is likely of German origin. While the spelling may be confusing at first glance, understanding its pronunciation makes it clear why it is spelled this way.
The word "Staehli" appears to have its origins in German or Swiss German surnames. In German, "stähli" is an adjective derived from the noun "Stahl", which means "steel". "Stähli" or "Staehli" can be interpreted as a diminutive form of "Stahl" or it may refer to someone associated with or involved in the steel industry. It is important to note that surnames can have various origins and meanings, so the etymology of a particular surname can differ from one individual to another.