Surname Wagschall - Meaning and Origin

Wagschall: What does the surname Wagschall mean?

The last name Wagschall is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word “wagschall” or “wagschale”, which can be roughly translated as “banns of marriage” or “proclamation of the coming marriage.” It is thought the name likely originated from those who were entrusted with administering the announcements of upcoming marriages.

The Wagschall surname is found primarily in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany, and records indicate that earlier family members had holdings in the town of Wagschall, which is located in the present-day state of Thuringia.

Given the occupation-centered origin of the name, the earliest known family members of this name were likely connected to the legal system in some way. It has also been suggested that at least some members of the family served in the courts of local noble families.

The name Wagschall carries a rich family history with it today, and are still primarily concentrated in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and regions of eastern Germany. Those with the Wagschall surname may take pride in representing this line and heritage.

Wagschall: Where does the name Wagschall come from?

The last name Wagschall is of German origin and is most common in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. It is also popular in the United States, where it is primarily found in the Midwest and New England Region.

The earliest known records of the name Wagschall date back to 1200 in Germany, with the oldest known record of a Wagschall living in Rüdersdorf, near Berlin. The name could have originated from various sources. Some suggest it could be a contraction of the German, Wasserchall, meaning "water house" or the Middle High German, Wagschelle meaning "hedgehog" or "porcupine".

The Wagschall name is still prevalent in Germany today, and hundreds of Wagschalls can be found living throughout the country. In the United States, the highest concentrations of people with this surname are in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Overall, the Wagschall surname is relatively rare, but it has remained popular in the areas of its origin for centuries. While it is now scattered throughout the world, it is still most commonly found in Germany, its place of origin.

Variations of the surname Wagschall

The surname Wagschall is derived from the German surname Wagenschwägel, which means "wagon wheel" (Wagen meaning wagon, Schwägel meaning wheel). The surname can have variants, spellings, and other related surnames.

Variant spellings include Wagenschwägel, Wagenschwaegel, Wagschall, Wagschell, Wagschüll, Wägschell, Wackenschwägel, Wackenschwaegel, and Wackenschuegel. In the United States, it may be spelled more phonetically, including Waggonsel, Waggonsell, Wagshel, Wagshell, Waggonselle, Wagenschael, Waggenschael, and Wagonschall.

Related surnames may also share the Wagenschwägel origin. These include Waggoner, Wagener, Wagner, Wagoner, and Wagstaff.

In addition, due to migration and emigration of people with this surname, variations may appear in other languages as well. In English, for example, the surname may be seen as Waggonsall, Waggenselle, Waggonsell, Woofsenchwogel, Woofcaddel, and Bohemian Waggonsel. In Dutch, these surnames may appear as Wacxemsel, Waggonsel, and Waegenschuel. Similarly, in French the surname may appear as Wagonselle, Wagonsall, and Wacxemel. In Scandinavian countries, it might be seen as Waggenfoehl and Vakonsol.

Famous people with the name Wagschall

• Eric Wagschall: Professional soccer player who played for the Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer team between 1997 and 1998.
• Mark Wagschall: United States Air Force retired brigadier general who served as the commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill Air Force Base.
• Larry Wagschall: Renowned mixed media artist whose works have been displayed in various permanent collections and exhibitions.
• Abigail Wagschall: Prominent American author and essayist who has contributed to The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post.
• Ross Wagschall: Longstanding American attorney and business executive who serves as the Chair and founder of the Wagschall Law Firm.
• Barry Wagschall: Internationally revered financial investment advisor and business executive who is the CEO and Founder of SuccessTek Ventures Inc.
• John Wagschall: Highly decorated United States Marine Corps veteran who achieved numerous decorations of merit for his service.
• Katherine Wagschall: American television actor known for her portrayal of Adrienne Blaisdell in the series, “Queer as Folk.”
• Ellen Wagschall: Award-winning novelist and short story writer based out of the United Kingdom whose work has been featured in multiple anthologies.
• Thomas Wagschall: Respected scientific researcher and professor at the University of Cambridge who focuses on understanding the effects of environmental change on plant and animal populations.

Other surnames

Wagschal