Surname Spitzl - Meaning and Origin
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Spitzl: What does the surname Spitzl mean?
The last name Spitzl is a German surname that refers to a person who lived in a location slightly elevated above the surroundings (or a ‘spitz’ in German). This could refer to someone who lived on a hill or other high point from which they could observe the surrounding land. It is thought that the location provided a strategic advantage and protection from enemies, and such surnames were generally derived from them.
The name Spitzl is believed to originate from the Middle High German word 'spiz' or 'spiez' meaning 'pointy', 'spike', or 'peak', as well as the old German word 'spiz' meaning 'headland', 'pointed', or 'sharp'. Other similar surnames such as Spittal, Spitzel, and Spitzer are all variations on the same roots. Additionally, the family's coat of arms is said to feature an eagle rising from the mountain peak, a symbol of strength, courage, and defiance in the face of adversity.
The Spitzl surname is common in Germany, but can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States. The name has also been Anglicized at times, with the Spitzl being translated to Spitzle, Spitsel, Spitsel, and Speetzl in some cases.
Order DNA origin analysisSpitzl: Where does the name Spitzl come from?
The last name Spitzl is most common in Austria today, where records from the origins of the surname suggest it originated hundreds of years ago. The variations of the name that are found in Austria include Spitzl, Spitztl, and Spitzle. Information from Austria's census suggests that the name is still quite popular - in 2016, for example, a search on the Austrian address directory showed around 470 records of individuals with this name.
There is also evidence of this last name in a variety of other countries in Europe and beyond. Records in the US, for example, suggest it was brought over to the newly established country by immigrants and that there are families with the Spitzl name still living in the US today. Somewhat surprisingly, it has also been found in the Middle East in countries such as Turkey, Russia and Israel, suggesting some kind of international migration from Europe over the centuries.
Outside of Europe and North America, there are also records in South America for this surname, in countries such as Uruguay, Chile and Brazil. Again, this may suggest migration from Europe and North America during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Overall, the surname Spitzl has had an interesting migration history and is still quite common in Austria today. It is also found sporadically around the world, suggesting a wide spread of the family name.
Variations of the surname Spitzl
The surname Spitzl has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. This German surname typically refers to someone or something “spiky” or “pointed”. There are many variations of the spelling, including Spitzle, Speitzle, Spizle, Spitts, Spitze, Spitzele, Speits and Spitzley. Additionally, the family name can sometimes be found spelled with an umlaut (double dot) over the “i”, making it Spӯtzl.
In German, the proper surname is spelled with an “e” at the end. In other languages, such as Yiddish, the spelling changes and becomes Spitzle. In Yiddish-speaking countries, the surname might also be found spelled as Spitzner, Spitzel or even Spik.
There are also a number of variants or nicknames of the Spitzl surname, most often referring to someone as spikes or spiky. These variants include Spick, Spickl, Spitzahl, Sprickle, Spritzl and Spuckl.
Additionally, the surname has evolved in various countries to create distinct surnames of its own. This includes Szpickel in Hungary, Szpizel and Szpitzer in Poland, Sfïçkin in Russia and Spizel in Ukraine.
Famous people with the name Spitzl
- Mark Spitz: Nine-time Olympic gold medalist, inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
- Lee Spitz: Musician, producer, and former manager for Howard Jones.
- Dave Spitz: American bass player and musician.
- Donna Spitz: American singer-songwriter and musician.
- Max Spitz: American department store merchant who co-founded the Macy's department store.
- Al Spitz: American football coach with high school, college, and NFL teams.
- William Spitz: Entomologist and professor at the University of California, Davis.
- Jutta Spitz: German entrepreneur and film producer.
- Paul Spitz: German sculptor and medalist.
- Carrie Spitz: Author and food allergy blogger.