Surname Schwenzle - Meaning and Origin
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Schwenzle: What does the surname Schwenzle mean?
The last name Schwenzle is derived from the Low German term ‘schwenz’, meaning ‘counterscarp’. This indicates a topographical feature, typically the inner wall of a fortification. The first use of the surname recorded in the German phone book was from the 19th century, from the town of Petersburg, now located in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The Schwenzle family has a long and varied history. Records show that the family operated a local mill, with its first miller recorded as Hans Schwenzle in the late 17th century. Since then, the family has frequently held roles as craftsmen, merchants, and farmers, often in the Mecklenberg or lesser Pomeranian regions. As a result, the Schwenzle family has dispersed across the region and abroad.
The Schwenzle family’s traditional values and occupational diversity may be seen as indicative of a desire for self-determination and independence. This is reflected in its modern-day members who maintain a strong identity and family-oriented values, often highlighted in the teaching and practice of traditions such as food preparation and music.
The family’s devotion to traditional values, as evidenced by its various trades over the years, continues to endure. The Schwenzle family’s commitment to family togetherness and the importance of cultivating independent thought remain strong, and will continue to shape the family’s legacy for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwenzle: Where does the name Schwenzle come from?
The surname Schwenzle is most commonly found in Germany but can also be seen in other parts of the world, including the US, Canada, and parts of Europe. It is thought to have originated in Bavaria in the mid-1400s, and the earliest documented references about the name were linked to the Schwenzel family of Nuremberg.
Surnames originating in Germany were often derived from professions, places, or objects, and the word “Schwenzle” is a variation of the word “schwenzel”—a type of ax—which suggests it was once used as a nickname for people who made or used axes. It can also be traced back to the Latin phrase for “swan” or “swift”, which may suggest that it was initially used to describe a speed or agility in movement.
Today, the surname is most commonly found in Germany; however, many people of German descent have moved to other parts of the world, bringing their surnames along. This has meant that the Schwenzle surname can be found in countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Canada, the US, Sweden, and Australia. It is also widely seen in certain German-speaking regions of Switzerland, as well as other parts of Europe.
Variations of the surname Schwenzle
The surname Schwenzle is an uncommon surname of German origin and can be spelled in multiple ways. It is sometimes spelled as Schwenzel, Schwenkle, Schwencle, Schwenckel and Schwenckle. These are all variants of the same surname and are used interchangeably in some cases.
The Schwenzle surname is derived from the Old German word “swinc” which means “one who swings” and thus could originally have been given as a nickname to someone who was physically very agile. The variation Schwenkle may also have derived from the German word “schwinge” meaning “swing or vault”.
The variants of this surname can also be used as surnames. For example, the surname Schwenzel can also be used as Schwenzing, Schwenzinger, Schwenzer, Schwenzinger and Schwenzeler. Similarly, the surnames Schwenkle and Schwenckel can be used as Schwenckl and Schwencke.
The Schwenzle/ Schwenzel variations are mainly found in German-speaking areas, though the alternate variants (i.e. Schwencle, Schwenckle and the surname spellings) can be found in other countries as well. In some cases, the surname is also found in American records having stemmed from German immigrants. In some cases, the surname may even have been Anglicized to forms such as Swankle or Swinkle.
Famous people with the name Schwenzle
- Steven Schwenzle: American singer and songwriter, best known for his single "Hit Me Baby One More Time".
- Richard Schwenzle: German-born architect and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.
- Klaus Schwenzle: German neurobiologist and professor at the University of Marburg.
- Beatrice Schwenzle: American actor, best known for her roles in the films, The Godfather, adaptations of Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Freaks and Geeks.
- Jill Schwenzle: American interior designer, best known for her work on the Titanic Luxury Liner.
- Scott Schwenzle: Canadian hockey player, currently playing for the San Jose Sharks.
- Cory Schwenzle: American football player, currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys.
- Robert Schwenzle: Australian writer and translator, best known for his translations of Latin American fiction and non-fiction works.
- Lawrence Schwenzle: American diplomat, best known for his work in the United Nations.
- Pete Schwenzle: British cyclist, currently competing in the Tour de France.