Surname Wagler - Meaning and Origin

Wagler: What does the surname Wagler mean?

The surname Wagler is a German name typically found in the southern regions of Germany and Austria and has spread throughout a number of English-speaking countries. The name Wagler is thought to derive from the Old High German words wageler or waglere, which were occupational titles for wagon drivers or makers of wagons. Alternatively, Wagler may come from the Old Germanic term “walha” meaning a foreign person or someone from a different culture. This term could have been used to describe immigrants from other parts of Europe who came to a new settlement and brought their wheel making skills with them.

The modern meaning of the name Wagler most commonly has the connotation of someone who is an inventive, strong-willed individual who isn't afraid to try something new. Waglers traditionally have exhibited a strong sense of confidence and courage, leaving behind any fear of failure and embracing any challenges they may encounter along the way. Those with the surname Wagler have demonstrated a great ability to work hard in order to accomplish goals, which likely derives from the old occupational heritage of wagon drivers and wheel makers.

Today, the name Wagler is more likely to be seen in countries with German roots, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Canada, as well as in the United States. Despite the fact that the name is still relatively uncommon, Waglers have historically been known to be hard workers and courageous, trailblazing individuals. This heritage of strength and determination is sure to continue to be a source of pride for the current generation of Waglers as well as those to come.

Wagler: Where does the name Wagler come from?

The last name Wagler is a common surname predominantly found throughout North America, particularly in areas with high populations of Amish and Mennonite people.

The original spelling of Wagler was spelled "Waegler" and can be traced back to the 16th century in Switzerland and France, where many families bearing this name settled.

The earliest instances of the name in North America can be found in Pennsylvania, where the largest population of Mennonite and Amish reside. It is thought that many members of these families traveled to Pennsylvania during the 18th century in search of religious freedom.

Today, Wagler is still a very common name in places like Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. From there, the surname spread into neighboring states including Ohio, Indiana, and New York.

Outside of North America, the Wagler name is rarely found, as there are smaller numbers of Amish and Mennonite communities living in other countries. However, it is not uncommon to find people bearing this name living in areas of Europe and South America with larger Mennonite populations.

Overall, the last name Wagler is most commonly found in North America, particularly areas with a high population of Amish and Mennonite people.

Variations of the surname Wagler

The surname Wagler, and its many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, can be traced back to a variety of locations throughout Europe. In Germany, among the earliest records of the name include Pieter Waggeler (Baden-Württemberg, 1631), Veith Waegler (Berlin, 1790), Jakob Wogler (Württemberg, 1825), and Pheiffer Waggler (Saxony, 1847). In Switzerland, variants of the name can be found with Johann Wagler (Basel, 1720), and the alternate spelling Wögeler, which was anciently found in the German canton of Zurich. In Austria, the forms Waeger, Waegler, and Wagler existed in the southern provinces of Styria and Carinthia.

Throughout the centuries, many of these surnames have diversified and developed and extended into other countries. In the Netherlands, for example, variants of the surname include Wagelar, Wagemaker, Waggelaar, Waegeleer, and Wagemans. In its Scandinavian form, derivatives of the Wagler name appear as Väglö, Vägelö, Vägel, and Vigelius.

In the United States, many of these families can be seen to have converged and shared common ancestries, especially around Pennsylvania. Examples of the various spellings within the US would include Wagner, Weagler, Weegler-Waygle, Widgele, Vigle, Vageler, Waggle, and Wagle.

Today, the Wagler surname is both diverse and common, with many of its descendents making contributions within numerous walks of life all over the world.

Famous people with the name Wagler

• Karl Herman Wagler: Karl Herman Wagler was a German naturalist, zoologist and ornithologist who emigrated to the United States in the mid-1800s and is best-known for being the first person to officially identify a new species of snake.
• Rudy Wagler: Rudy Wagler is the current Mayor of Abbotsford, the seventh largest city in British Columbia, Canada.
• Johnny Wagler: Johnny Wagler is a well-known Amish movie actor and television star, best known for his roles in the films "Witness" and "Liar Liar."
• Calvin Wagler: Calvin Wagler is a three-time world champion professional wrestler.
• Bill Wagler: Bill Wagler is the founder and CEO of Wagler Motorsports, an aftermarket performance parts dealership.
• Matt Wagler: Matt Wagler is an American entrepreneur who founded and led the accounting software company Intacct.
• Abigail Wagler: Abigail Wagler is a popular author of both children's and young adult fiction, with some of her best-known works including "The Girl Who Could Do Anything" and "Illusions of the Heart".
• Lewis Wagler: Lewis Wagler was an American author and film producer who wrote novels and produced television shows and documentary films.
• Charlotte Wagler: Charlotte Wagler is a painter and an illustrator. Her work has been published in multiple magazines, as well as in different books.
• Joel Wagler: Joel Wagler is a country music singer-songwriter. A native of Canada, his debut EP and several hit singles have earned him top rankings on various Canadian country music charts as well as a Juno Award nomination for "Rising Star".

Other surnames

WagleWaglechner