Surname Fritzel - Meaning and Origin
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Fritzel: What does the surname Fritzel mean?
The last name Fritzel is a German nickname surname derived from the Middle High German word “frizze” which means “curly,” or “frizzy.” The surname could have been used either literally or figuratively to describe a person with either curly hair or an erratic personality, referring to a frizzy, unruly character. It is believed that the Fritzel surname first appears in documents in the region of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers in Germany during the 16th century. It is believed that individuals with the Fritzel surname first migrated to the United States in the early 1880s.
Today, it is estimated that there are approximately 5,000 Fritzel family members living in the United States, with most living in the Midwestern states, such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. It is also estimated that there are approximately 2,000 Fritzel family members in Germany.
Although the surname Fritzel is primarily associated with Germany, it is believed that over time, the family name has spread to other countries, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. The Fritzel surname is still common in these countries today, particularly in the Midwest, where it is often associated with German-American communities.
The surname Fritzel remains quite rare in comparison to other common surnames. However, individuals with the surname remain proud of their German heritage and many still maintain close ties with family members in Germany and other parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisFritzel: Where does the name Fritzel come from?
The last name Fritzel is common primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. It can also be found in parts of Africa and North America. In Europe, the Fritzel surname is most prevalent in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Other countries with significant numbers of people with the Fritzel name include the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.
The earliest known ancestor of the Fritzel family is Johann Wilhelm Fritzel of Germany, born around 1750. It is believed this family spread out from its original homeland through multiple generations. Many of the descendants of Johann Wilhelm Fritzel immigrated to other countries, primarily the United States, where there is a large population of Fritzels.
In the United States, the most frequent state of residence for people with the Fritzel surname is Pennsylvania. Smaller numbers of Fritzels can also be found in other states, including New York, California, Virginia, and North Carolina. The Fritzel name can also be found in Canada, mainly in Ontario and British Columbia.
There is also a large Fritzel diaspora throughout South America, primarily Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela. Other countries in Africa and Asia have seen a rise in the number of people with the Fritzel surname as well, largely due to increased immigration in recent decades.
Variations of the surname Fritzel
The surname Fritzel has several variants, spelling variations, and surnames of the same origin. Common variations of Fritzel include Fritze, Fritzel, Fritzell, Frits, and Fritzelin.
Fritzell is probably the most common alternative spelling of Fritzel. It is derived from the Germanic phrase “fritz,” which means “infantryman”—so Fritzell literally means “infantryman’s hill.” Fritzell may also have originated as an occupational surname for a soldier.
Frits is another variant of Fritzel. It is derived from the Germanic element “frit,” which means “peace” and “protection.” Thus, Frits literally means “protector of peace and safety.”
Fritzelin is a variant of Fritzel. It originated as a diminutive form of the name, meaning “little” and “beloved,” and was given to someone who was well-liked by others.
Variations of Fritzel can also be found in other countries, such as Fritzl in Austria and Fritzle in Germany. Some other surnames with the same origin as Fritzel include Fritz, Fritsche, and Frittzel.
Overall, the surname Fritzel has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Each variant has its own unique meaning, providing more insight into the history and culture of the surname.
Famous people with the name Fritzel
- Herbie Fritzel: American football defensive back in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins.
- Christian Fritzel: German figure skater, two time German National Champion.
- Andy Fritzel: Professional golfer who won five PGA Tour tournaments and reached the 1989 PGA Championship.
- Katrina Fritzel: Olympic gymnast who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
- Hermann Fritzel: Beer brewer in 19th century Bavaria, innovator in new techniques and technologies.
- Johann Fritzel: Music composer and conductor.
- Ludwig Fritzel: Pianist, pianoforte maker and fortepiano maker in 19th century.
- Christiane Fritzel: Rower who won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Wolfgang Fritzel: Swimmer, won a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Lothar Fritzel: German former ski jumper who participated in the 1970 and 1974 Winter Olympics.