Surname Osewalt - Meaning and Origin

Osewalt: What does the surname Osewalt mean?

The last name Osewalt is a German surname believed to have originated from German words meaning “hare” and “forest.” Over time, the name has been alternatively spelled Oswealt, Osewald, Osward, and Oswalt, as well as other variations.

The exact origin of the last name Osewalt is unknown, however, it is thought to have originated from the Middle Ages where it was used as a nickname for people who lived in or near a forest populated by rabbits or hares. As surnames began to be established in the Middle Ages, people took their family’s nickname and made it their surname.

The Osewalt surname is unique to Germany, although there are people in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries around the world who bear the name. It is most common in Germany’s north, particularly the lower Rhine region and the northern and central part of the country. It is also present in other European countries, such as Austria, France, and the Netherlands.

The Osewalt family is diverse, and there are many different people who share the last name. Whether it is a family of lawyers, teachers, doctors, or business owners, the name Osewalt is associated with strength, resilience, and determination.

Osewalt: Where does the name Osewalt come from?

The last name Osewalt is thought to be of German origin and is most commonly found in areas of the United States that were formerly occupied by German immigrants. It is a fairly uncommon last name, but the concentrations of people with the name are centered in certain areas.

In the United States, Pennsylvania is particularly significant in harboring the largest population of people with the last name Osewalt. Large numbers of Osewalts can also be found in the states of Wisconsin, New York, and California.

Within Pennsylvania, the most heavily populated counties are Lancaster, Dauphin, Berks, Lehigh and Schuylkill. These counties border or are within a short distance of former heavily German populated areas such as Berks, Lehigh and Schuylkill. It is likely that these counties are where the majority of Osewalts came to America.

Outside of the United States, Canada is the largest settlement of people with the last name Osewalt. The provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec contain the most Osewalts, possibly reflecting German immigration to Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Though the last name Osewalt may not be well known to some, it is a name with a long and proud German heritage. Its current prevalence in the United States and Canada speaks to the many roles Germans have had in the North American immigration story.

Variations of the surname Osewalt

The surname Osewalt is German in origin and has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is thought to have derived from the Middle High German word ‘osewalt’, which translates to ‘muscle strength’.

Common variants of the surname Osewalt include Osewald, Osewaldt, Oswalt, Oswallt, Osselwalt, Osselwald, and Ozwald. A popular spelling of the surname is also ‘Oswald’, which is an English variant of the German surname and is often seen in older records.

Less common variants include Osselowitz, Ozwalt, Asselwaechter, Ausselwalt, Ezellowd, Ozlied, Oswalda, Oswalde, Osselweit, Osselwytt, Ozliese, Azoozwald, Ozlott, Ozewald, and Ozwaldt.

Common surnames of the same origin include Osele, Ozel, Ozel, Braun, Birke, Aschwege, Bachtel, Goesl, Gresel, Gisel, Uhl, Uel, Ooel, Oles, Ossel, Esle, and Ull.

Many of the common variants and spellings of the template Osewalt are popular throughout both Germany and the United States, while some of the less common variants are found only in certain regions. Due to the large variety of variants, it is important to do research for a particular given name to ensure that all possible different spellings are considered.

Famous people with the name Osewalt

• Patton Oswalt: Patton Oswalt is an American stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and voice actor. He is best known for his roles on the sitcom The King of Queens and as the voice of Remy in the Pixar film Ratatouille.
• Robert Oswalt: Robert Oswalt is an American farmer and conservative political activist. He was instrumental in founding and organizing the Ruby Ridge standoff between federal forces and Randy Weaver, and is now a key figure in the Patriot movement.
• Angela Oswalt: Angela Oswalt is a distinguished professor of Language and Literacy in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has published widely in the areas of early literacy, language, and concert music.
• Henry Oswalt: Henry Oswalt is a former American football safety who played four seasons in the NFL, the most notable of which was with the New York Jets. He also played for the Atlanta Falcons and was a member of the Miami Dolphins' Super Bowl XVII winning team.
• Christopher Oswalt: Christopher Oswalt is a former NASCAR driver. He raced in the Sportsman division of NASCAR, in which he had seven top-ten finishes in sixteen starts.
• Sarah Oswalt: Sarah Oswalt is an American director, screenwriter and novelist. Her work has appeared in film, television, and theater, with her directing debut feature A Simple Mind earning significant recognition in the festival circuit.

Other surnames

Osewald