Surname Glätzl - Meaning and Origin
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Glätzl: What does the surname Glätzl mean?
The last name Glätzl is of German origin and used primarily in German-speaking countries. It is derived from the Middle High German word "glaetzel", meaning "feathered arrow" and is an occupational surname for an arrowsmith. In ancient times, arrowsmiths crafted arrowheads and feathers from metal and wood and were highly skilled in the preparation of arrows for hunters and warriors.
The name Glätzl is not common throughout the world, but is known in places like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and other countries with Germanic influence. In the United States, Glätzl is mostly found in areas with a high concentration of German ancestry, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri.
The meaning of Glätzl is often seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and precision and it can represent someone seeking to have the skill and accuracy of a skilled arrowsmith. The name can also be seen as a reminder that those who have knowledge and skill in a certain craft should use their abilities to help protect and improve the world. Ultimately, the name Glätzl carries a legacy of precision, craftsmanship, and courage.
Order DNA origin analysisGlätzl: Where does the name Glätzl come from?
The last name Glätzl is primarily associated with Germany and Austria, although there are also families carrying the name throughout Europe. The name is particularly common in the east central region of Germany, including the states of Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringen. According to a 2020 survey by the Universität Leipzig, Glätzl is a relatively popular surname in the region, occurring at a reasonably high rate among a survey group of 484,740 residents (0.02% of the population).
In Austria, Glätzl is most common in the state of Upper Austria, where it is the 433rd most common surname among a population of 1,596,120 (as of 2020). The name is also popular in Lower Austria, where it is the 571st most common (out of 1,722,887 inhabitants), and Just Vienna, where it is the 859th (out of 1,910,724).
Glätzl is also present in other countries around the world including the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, and across Europe. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau listed Glätzl as the 7,938th most common last name in the United States out of a population of 331,449,281. In Canada, it is the 1,595th most common (out of 37,742,154).
Overall, the last name Glätzl is particularly common in German-speaking countries in Europe, but it is also present in other parts of the world. Despite its prevalence, there are still relatively few Glätzl families globally.
Variations of the surname Glätzl
Surnames with a similar origin to Glätzl include Glatz, Glatzel, Glatzer, Glatzo, Glock, Glöcklein and Glöckl.
All of these surnames have a common origin and all refer to the Middle High German word 'glatz', meaning a bald head (as in when an area of hair is shaved and a man is left bald). This word is a combination of two words – ‘glat’ meaning to be smooth or even, and ‘zel’ meaning head.
The surname Glatz may therefore refer to someone with a bald head, whilst the surname Glatzel, Glatzer, Glatzo and Glöcklein may refer to a person thought to resemble a bald head - someone having a more round head shape or short cropped hair.
The surname Glätzl may also have a similar meaning to the aforementioned, though whereas Glätzl is a variation of Middle High German, the others are taken from Middle German.
It is possible that the Glatz and Glätzl variants split up into modern surnames during the era of migration in Europe. The surname Glöckl is likely to have been changed from German Glöcklein during such movements, and the surname Glock seems to originate from a corruption of Glatz.
Overall, the surnames Glätzl, Glatz, Glatzel, Glatzer, Glatzo, Glock, Glöcklein and Glöckl all have a similar origin and all are likely to represent someone with the same physical trait - either having a bald head or roundish head shape.
Famous people with the name Glätzl
- Bergstein Glätzl: German folklorist and political activist who made a significant contribution to his country's social movements during the 20th century.
- Karl Glätzl: Austrian Olympic road racer who competed in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
- Paul Glätzl: Austrian musician who was the founder of the Vienna Boys Choir.
- Michael Glätzl: German curler who skippered the German team to a bronze medal at the 2009 World Challenge.
- Markus Glätzl: German modern pentathlete who won bronze at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
- Frieder Glätzl: German alpine skier who competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan.
- Eberhard Glätzl: German composer, best known for writing the theme music of the German TV channel ORF.
- Paul Glätzl: German aerobatic pilot who holds the world record for number of consecutive loops in a helicopter.
- Horst Glätzl: Austrian bobsledder who won a bronze medal in the two-man event at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
- Robert Glätzl: Austrian sprint canoer who competed in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.