Surname Matzel - Meaning and Origin

Matzel: What does the surname Matzel mean?

The last name Matzel is of German origin and is thought to be derived from the middle High German word "maz", which translates into English as marsh. This suggests that the name is likely derived from a place name, or from a reference to a place which was frequented because of the marshy land that was present.

The Matzels may have derived from a manor house (or possibly an older fortress) that was located in the vicinity of a bog, marsh, or wetland. It is thought that the name could also be a variation of the German word "Mätzel", which can mean either a small or densely populated settlement.

The Matzel family settled in parts of what is now known as Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. Over the centuries the Matzels have displayed a strong sense of continuity and loyalty, evidenced by the numerous Matzels who proudly serve in the military.

Today, the Matzels are found all over the world. They have become successful in various fields, such as business, law, politics, and the arts. They are known for their loyal family bonds and strong work ethic, traits that have helped them remain successful over the course of centuries.

The last name Matzel is a reminder of the segment of the population that was important to a region, from the marsh-filled past to the globally interconnected present.

Matzel: Where does the name Matzel come from?

The last name Matzel is most commonly found today in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It is also found in varying frequencies in some parts of France, Poland, and Slovakia.

In the Czech Republic, the Matzel surname is one of the most common in the country, with people of this name making up nearly 0.5% of the population.

In Hungary, Matzel is the 14th most popular last name, and it is found in almost every region in the country, with the highest concentration in the regions of Vas, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, and Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen.

In Austria, Matzel is a quite common name, though slightly less popular than in the Czech Republic and Hungary. It is more widely spread, however, with a higher prevalence in the state of Burgenland than in other regions.

In Germany, the last name Matzel is less common, comprising around 0.01% of the population. Here, the surname is more concentrated in the north, with the highest frequencies found in the states of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Hamburg.

The last name Matzel is also found in other central European countries with lower frequency, though it is usually at least present in some areas.

Overall, Matzel is one of the most widely-spread surnames in Central Europe, and is still quite common in most countries of the region today.

Variations of the surname Matzel

The surname Matzel can be spelled in various ways, including Matzelle, Matzell, Metzell, Mattzell and Matzelle. It can also be used as a variation of the German surname Metzler. These variations stem from Middle High German, the language used in the Holy Roman Empire from 1050 to 1500. The original spelling of Matzel was Metzel, and the surname has evolved to take on various new forms.

Matzel is believed to be a topographical name, derived from the Middle High German word 'metzel', which indicates a person who lived in a mett (an area of marshland). The surname could also have originated from the occupation for those who worked in the ironworks of the middle ages, using their farming knowledge to refine iron ore into metal tools and weapons. The name is also thought to have been derived from Metz, a city on the Moselle River in France.

Matzell and Matzelle are particularly common in the USA, having been used to Americanize the German-originating name Metzler. Similar spellings in use include Matschele, Metzele and Matzele.

The origin of the Matzel surname may never be definitively known. However, there are many interesting possibilities that surround the name and its various derivatives, with evidence hinting at different origins throughout Germany, France and further afield.

Famous people with the name Matzel

• Alexander Matzel: German Paralympic basketball player who competed at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
• Clemens Matzel: German mathematician who developed Matzel's theorem.
• Christoph Matzel: German physicist and electronics engineer who invented optical spectrometers and ultrasound acoustic spectrometers.
• Eveline Matzel: Austrian sculptor who was active in the early 20th century.
• Riccardo Matzel: Italian racing driver who competed in numerous Formula One races from 1954 to 1956.
• W. John Matzel: American philosopher who served as chair of the philosophy department at Clemson University.
• Jay Matzel: American former stock car racers who competed in the NASCAR Busch Series from 2002 to 2004.
• Anna Matzel: Austrian synonymist who published a series of books on the history of Austrian dialects.
• Diana Matzel: American contemporary dancer who founded the Matzel Dance Company in Chicago.
• Peter Matzel: British consultant neurologist who was a pioneer in the field ofilities neurology.

Other surnames

Matzen