Surname Autenzeller - Meaning and Origin
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Autenzeller: What does the surname Autenzeller mean?
The last name Autenzeller is of German origin and dates back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the German word 'auter', which means 'outer'. This refers to someone who lived on the outermost edge of a particular area, usually near the border of another country. This name was probably first used to refer to someone who lived near a border or frontier.
The Autenzeller surname is relatively rare, but there are several variations of it, including Altenzeller, Autenzeller, and Outtenzeller. Spelling variants include Authanzeller, Outtaker, and Auttinger.
In German, Autenzeller can mean either 'someone from the outer zones' or 'a skilled tradesman', depending on the context. It is likely that the surname was given to individuals who had some type of trade skill.
In parts of Austria, Autenzeller commonly refers to a family of beekeepers. Specifically, those who were skilled enough to work with wild hives deep in the woods far away from their homes, which required knowledge of both beekeeping and wilderness survival. Additionally, Autenzellers were also known for making traditional Austrian candles from beeswax.
Today, Autenzeller can be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other European countries. It is also present in the United States and Canada, although it may now be spelled differently due to the variations in pronunciation that can occur when different languages contact.
Order DNA origin analysisAutenzeller: Where does the name Autenzeller come from?
The Autenzeller surname is still quite common in Switzerland, particularly among Swiss-German families. It is most common in the Northern cantons, especially in the German-speaking areas of Swiss cantons like Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Thurgau, and Zurich.
In the United States, it is much less common. The 2010 US Census found no Autenzellers in the top 100 surnames. However, the US Census did list 136 individuals with that surname living in the United States that year. Of those, 98% lived in California, with the remaining small percentage living in other states in the West.
It may also be possible to find Autenzellers living in other countries, such as Austria, Germany, and France. There are several online genealogy databases that suggest that this surname has spread outside of its Swiss origins. So, while it may be harder to find in other countries, it is still possible.
The Autenzeller surname may have been around since the 11th century, and has been passed along from generation to generation. This means that there may be pockets of Autenzellers still living in countries all across the world.
Variations of the surname Autenzeller
The Autenzeller surname has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames that derive from the same origin. These variants include Autenzeiler, Autenzeilla, Otenzeller, Odenzeller, and Audenzeller.
The surname Autenzeller originated in Germany, likely from Bavaria. It was derived from the German term "Odo" and the suffix "zeller," which mean "wealthy" or "wealth." Through further mutation of the spelling, the variations of the surname were created.
The most common variant for this surname in modern times is Autenzeila, though the other variants are still used in some parts of Europe. The Autenzeiler spelling can still be found in Germany, while Otenzeller and Odenzeller are primarily used in the United States. The Audenzeller spelling is less common and can primarily be found in Austria.
In the United States, many of these variants are used interchangeably and may lead people to believe the surnames are of different origins. However, as demonstrated above, they all originate from the same source.
Overall, Autenzeller has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. They originate in Germany from the German term "Odo" and suffix "zeller," meaning "wealthy” or “wealth." Nonetheless, the most common variant today is Autenzeilla.
Famous people with the name Autenzeller
- Casper Autenzeller: Casper Autenzeller, a German left-winger, is one of the most successful footballers to have ever played for FC Augsburg. He became known for his long, accurate passes and his ability to find the right one-on-one opening.
- Ludwig Autenzeller: Ludwig Autenzeller was a Swiss stonecutter and engraver who worked in the late 19th century. He became known for his intricate marble and sandstone engravings that often incorporated religious motifs.
- Simon Autenzeller: Simon Autenzeller was a prominent physicist who worked in the early 20th century. He is known for his discoveries of the compression and rarefaction of sound waves due to rotation of the earth, as well as the inverse-square law of gravity.
- Johannes Autenzeller: Johannes Autenzeller was an Austrian painter who worked during the late 19th century. His work mainly consisted of landscapes and figure paintings but he is better known for the artwork he created for churches.
- Jacob Autenzeller: Jacob Autenzeller was an Austrian-born composer who lived in the mid-19th century. He was a prominent member of the avant-garde “Gesangverein” musical movement and is best known for his works on agricultural topics.