Surname Schwindl - Meaning and Origin
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Schwindl: What does the surname Schwindl mean?
The last name Schwindl is of German origin. It is a topographic name derived from the Middle High German word ‘schwindel’, which referred to a steep slope or incline, such as one found in a hillside or mountain. Thus, the name Schwindl originally referred to someone who lived on a hillside or mountain, or someone who had some other close association with this kind of terrain.
Schwindl could also be derived from a colloquial expression meaning ‘to deceive or to bamboozle’. This may have been associated with the name as a mark of mockery attached to someone who was particularly susceptible to being duped or hoodwinked.
The name Schwindl is found most commonly in Austria, Germany and other German-speaking countries, and is also present in the United States, where it is thought to have been brought by German immigrants in the 1800s.
Schwindl is a fairly rare last name, and is likely to remain so in the future. It is nevertheless part of a proud heritage stretching back many hundreds of years and associated with both the physical landscape and the symbolic meanings behind the name.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwindl: Where does the name Schwindl come from?
The last name Schwindl is most common in Germany today. It originates from the Middle High German word "schwinden," which means "to vanish." This suggests that the surname may have been given to ancestors of the Schwindl family who were itinerant merchants or people who moved around a lot. Records of the surname in Germany can be found throughout Bavaria, Thuringia, and Hesse going back to the early 17th century.
Today, the surname is most prevalent in the states of Bavaria and Thuringia. According to a 2008 study conducted in Germany, the prevalence of the Schwindl surname was highest in the town of Amöneburg, located in Thuringia, where approximately one in 130 people held the name. The name was also found to have a strong presence in the nearby cities of Kornwestheim and Oberbaar, both located in southwestern Germany.
In addition to Germany, the Schwindl name can also be found in the United States, Canada, and other parts of Europe. However, due to the small size of these populations, the name is much less common outside of Germany than it is within the country.
Variations of the surname Schwindl
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Schwindl include Schwendel, Schwendl, Schwendler, Schwendling, Schwendy, Schwendinger, Schwentl, Schwindele, Schwindeling, Schwindeler, Schwindle, Schwindler, Schwint, Schwinte, Schwintek, Schwnedel, Schwyndle, Schwyndy, Schwynt, Schynt, Schwyndel, Schwyntal and Schwintal.
Schwyndel is the most common spelling of the surname, while Schwintal and Schwyndy are the least common. The surname Schwendl is sometimes seen in Germany and Austria, while Schwendel is often found in older records. The spelling Schwyndle is also found but a bit rarer. Schwyndel can also be spelled as Schwyndling or Schwyntal.
The surname is of German and Austrian origin and is likely derived from the Middle High German word “schwinden”, which means “to vanish” or “to disappear”. This likely refers to an individual who was known for their sly and cunning behavior. The name is also common in Jewish families, where it is often spelled as Schwindel, Schwint or Schwynt.
In English language records, the surname is likely to appear as Schwindle or Schwyndle. It is also possible that the surname could be spelled as Schwandl, Shwindle or Schwindy. All of these spellings are derived from the same root and likely have the same origin.
Famous people with the name Schwindl
- Angy Schwindl: Chilean model and influencer who made an appearance on the Chilean reality television show Rojo Fama Contra Fama, showcased her story about overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.
- Gary Schwindl: American fashion, portrait, and landscape photographer. His most famous works include a series of Polaroid SX-70 shots of the Seventies Acid Rock scene as well as an album cover for Elton John’s "Rock Of The Westies".
- Adria Schwindl: Rudolph Schindler-inspired Austrian-born American sculptor, known as the “frozen movement” sculptor. Her works have been featured in major news outlets like the New York Times and the Huffington Post.
- Jurgen Schwindl: German-born contemporary sculptor and acclaimed gallery artist based in California. He has received international attention for his works, which are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum, among others.
- Helmut Schwindl: Austrian amateur radio operator who is the first person ever to make a contact from the North and South Poles in 1958 and again in 1969.
- Beate Schwindl: German figure skater who has competed in the European Championships and World Championships.
- Joe Schwindl: former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Eric Schwindl: American actor and voice-over artist featured in a variety of television shows, including Chicago PD, Grey's Anatomy, and The Blacklist.