Surname Schwanzl - Meaning and Origin
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Schwanzl: What does the surname Schwanzl mean?
The last name Schwanzl is a German surname derived from the words 'schwanz' meaning 'tail' and 'el' meaning 'small'. As a result, the name literally translates to 'little tail' and likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who plucked the feathers from a swan, duck, or other type of bird to make quill pens, feather beds, down, and other items.
The Schwanzl surname likely originated in Germany during the 16th century as a way to identify people who were involved in the plucking business or as an occupational name. During this period, it was common for people to take the name of their profession and use it as a surname. People who farmed might take the name Bauer (farmer) and those who were merchants might take the name Kaufman (merchant).
Given the widespread use of quills and feathers for items such as hats, shawls, coats, and other clothing items of the time, it is possible for the Schwanzl surname to be a derived from the studies and interest in ornithology. People who plucked the feathers or collected nests needed a way to identify themselves, and so the name Schwanzl—or 'little tail'—was born. Thus the Schwanzl surname is thought to have been used for those who had a special interest in birds and animals.
Today, the Schwanzl surname can be found throughout various parts of Germany, as well as in other countries in Central Europe. The surname is thought to have several variants, such as Schwanzle, Schwantl, Schwanzelt, and Schwandl.
Therefore, the last name Schwanzl is a German surname derived from the words 'schwanz' and 'el'. Together, the two words translate to 'little tail' and likely refer to people who collected feathers from swans and other birds for the purpose of making ornamental and practical items. The surname is thought to have originated in Germany during the 16th century and is still commonly found in various parts of the country and across Central Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwanzl: Where does the name Schwanzl come from?
The last name Schwanzl is most commonly seen today in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name itself is a variant of Schwans, and in both German and Yiddish, it literally means ‘tail’. It is also seen in diasporic Jewish communities due to a wave of migration that occurred in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Schwanzls first originated in the Rhineland region of Germany, then gradually spread northwards. As of 2019, the name was most popular in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Bavaria. It was also found frequently in Austria and Switzerland.
In addition, Schwanzl is seen in other areas of the world, particularly North America, which was a popular destination for emigrants from Europe. In the United States, the last name is most common in New York, California, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Furthermore, the name is sporadically present in Canada, mostly in Ontario and British Columbia.
In recent years, the population of Schwanzls appears to be declining. This is due to a variety of factors, such as intermarriage and emigration to other countries. However, given the name’s long and thoroughly-documented history, it’s safe to assume that it will remain present in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for the foreseeable future.
Variations of the surname Schwanzl
The surname Schwanzl has variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Common spellings of Schwanzl include Schwenzel, Schwensel, Schwenselle, Schwensl and Schwensle, with minor variations for each. The surname Schwenzel is a primarily German variation of “Schwanzl”, and is derived from the German word “schwanz” meaning a small tail or end part.
Other surnames of the same origin are Shvansel, Shvansl, Schwanse, Svansel, and Scheinsel, each typically a variation of the German base name, “Schwanzl.” Additionally, the typical spelling variations for many surnames of the same origin are Schwans, Schwansle, Schwenzele, Schwensle, and Schwenze.
The typical spelling variation for a surname is often indicative of the pronunciation of the name. For example, the surname Shvansel is often pronounced “shvun-sul”, while Schwensel is sometimes pronounced “shwuhn-suhl”.
The surname Schwenzel has a long histor. The earliest records of the surname date back to the 14th century in Germany. Records indicate that the family owned land in the region of what is now the southern border of Germany with Switzerland.
In conclusion, the surname Schwanzl has numerous variations and spellings, as well as other surnames of the same origin. These variations and spellings are often indicative of the pronunciation of the name, and some variations have been used since the beginning of the 14th century.
Famous people with the name Schwanzl
- Max Schwanzl — A famous Vienna-based satirist and cabaret artist.
- Karl Schwanzl — A renown Austrian portrait and genre painter.
- Viktor Schwanzl — An Austrian stage and film actor, best known for his roles in the early Austrian silent films.
- Brill Schwanzl — A renowned Austrian architect who was part of the Vienna Secession.
- Sebastian Schwanzl — A gifted Viennese composer, best known for his funeral march and symphony for the 1848 Revolution.
- Alexandra Schwanzl — A successful Austrian entrepreneur and philanthropist, famous for her involvement in social real estate.
- Erika Schwanzl: A successful businesswoman and political leader in Austria, who held many high offices including the post of Governor of Vienna.
- Ludwig Schwanzl: An Austrian professor of linguistics and a prominent figure in Austrian politics, being the first leader of the Conservative Party in the Austrian Parliament.
- Alfred Schwanzl: A poet and writer, renowned for his pioneering works in Austrian realism.
- Jakob Schwanzl: An Austrian music historian and conductor, famous for his interpretations of early Viennese classics.