Surname Schwänzl - Meaning and Origin

Schwänzl: What does the surname Schwänzl mean?

The last name Schwänzl is a German family name that has its origins in the Middle Ages. It has been used as both a given name and a surname in different parts of Germany and Europe. The literal translation of Schwänzl is "little tail", and it can be translated to mean "tail of the family".

The original Schwänzl family was established in the Palatinate region of Germany in the 13th century. They were originally vassals of the Count of Zweibrücken, which is now part of Rhineland-Palatinate. Over the centuries, members of the Schwänzl family spread out to other parts of Germany, including the former East Germany, and even to other countries, including the United States.

Schwänzl is an unusual name, and it has been spelled variously over the ages, including Svantzl, Schwencz, Swancz, Schwantisch, and Szwancz.

Today, Schwänzl is still a relatively uncommon name. It is believed that there are fewer than 10,000 people with the surname worldwide, primarily in Germany and the United States.

For those who have the last name Schwänzl, it is a unique name and one with a rich history and a tale to tell. It may carry the legacy of a family who survived centuries of war and upheaval and migrated from the Palatinate region to different parts of Europe and further afield for a better life.

Schwänzl: Where does the name Schwänzl come from?

The last name Schwänzl is an Austrian surname, which is still common in the country today. It belongs to the top 700 surnames in Germany and is considered one of the most common surnames in Austria, where it ranks in the top 200 last names.

Outside of Austria, the name can also be found in countries such as Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Italy. The surname is believed to have originated in the late-medieval period in Austria when a certain Schmidt of the village Schwänz (meaning "small tail") adopted that name as his own.

In modern times, the name Schwänzl is especially common in Austria, particularly in the districts of Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Bavaria. It is also quite common in the region of Styria, along the Austrian-Slovenian border.

Additionally, the Schwänzl family is distributed in parts of the United States across New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Arizona, and California. It is also found in Canada in Newfoundland and Manitoba.

Today, the name Schwänzl is a popular name in Austria, proving that it has stood the test of time since it was first used centuries ago.

Variations of the surname Schwänzl

The surname Schwänzl is a toponymic, originating from Germany and Austria. It is derived from the Middle High German word 'swanzil’ meaning ‘swan’, and probably referred to individuals who lived near a body of water inhabited by swans. It is also believed to describe a person of "swan-like grace".

The variants and spellings of Schwänzl include:

- Schwenzl

- Schwenzel

- Schwantz

- Schwench

- Schwencl

- Schwang

- Shwentz

- Swenzel

- Swanzl

Surnames of the same origin include:

- Schwen

- Schweng

- Schwenger

- Schwender

- Schwendner

- Schwem

- Schwemm

- Schwemer

- Schwengler

- Schwenk

- Schwenke

- Schwenkeler

- Schwenkler

- Swengel

- Sventek

- Swan

- Swann

- Swannell

- Swansen

The surname Schwänzl is quite rare and is mostly found in German-speaking countries. It is traditional, attractive, unique, and carries a nostalgic charm. While the surname isn't widely used anymore, it is an important part of family history, and serves as a reminder of one’s ancestors and their cultural heritage.

Famous people with the name Schwänzl

• Christian Schwänzl, a German ski jumper and Olympian.
• Felix Schwänzl, a German footballer who plays for FSV Zwickau.
• Sarah Schwänzl, a German figure skater who competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
• Ben Schwänzl, an American musician and composer.
• Klaus Schwänzl, a German football manager and former player.
• Bernd Schwänzl, a German biathlete who won bronze at the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics.
• Charlie Schwänzl, an American swimmer who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
• Viktor Schwänzl, a German politician who serves as mayor for Niederösterreich.
• Gunnar Schwänzl, a German weightlifter who won a gold medal at the 2006 World Weightlifting Championships.
• Jürgen Schwänzl, a German politician who served as a Member of the Bavarian State Parliament from 2013–2018.

Other surnames

SchwanzSchwanzerSchwänzerSchwänzle