Surname Wälzel - Meaning and Origin

Wälzel: What does the surname Wälzel mean?

The last name Wälzel is a German surname. It originated in the northern part of Germany and is derived from the word “wälz” which means to roll or turn. This indicates that the original bearer of the name was someone whose job or habit involved rolling or turning something, such as in millwheel grinding grain.

The nickname for a person with the last name Wälzel is “Walz”. During medieval times, this name would have most likely been used to describe a miller or similar worker. The modern day spelling and pronunciation of the name have changed slightly over time, but the original meaning remains intact.

Today, the Wälzel surname is found mainly in Germany, although there are some who have the surname in other European countries such as Switzerland and Austria. This surname is not as popular as other German surnames such as Bauer, Koch, or Schmid.

The Wälzel surname is relatively rare, and it appears that the original bearers of this surname have descended from one main lineage. This family line can be followed through the use of the German church and land records. People with this surname can trace their history and the careers of their ancestors, as the surname is strongly linked to the historical profession of millers.

Wälzel: Where does the name Wälzel come from?

The surname Wälzel is most commonly associated with the German-speaking areas of Europe, particularly East Germany. It is particularly common in eastern and southern Germany, with large concentrations in Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony. It is also found in bordering countries such as Austria and the Czech Republic.

Wälzel is a variant of the more common surname Waal or Wal. It is derived from the German term Wal which typically means "ruler". It is thought to have been taken by individuals or families who belonged to a noble or ruling class or had some connection with the nobility.

The name is recorded in various documents and archives across Europe, including Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. In the United States, there is a concentration of individuals and families with the surname Wälzel in the states of Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, reflecting the large number of German immigrants who settled in these states during the nineteenth century.

The name Wälzel is also found in South America, particularly in Brazil, where it has been adapted to the local spelling of Walzel. There, the name may be derived from the same source as in Europe, or it may be an adaptation of another name, such as the Portuguese Walceli.

Overall, the surname Wälzel can be found in regions where German is historically or is currently spoken, as well as in countries to which German immigrants have migrated. It can be found in the United States, parts of South America, East Europe, and the border regions of Germany and Austria.

Variations of the surname Wälzel

Wälzel is a German surname, derived from the given name Wälz, which is a diminutive of Wolfgang, meaning ‘wolf’s path’. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Wälzel include the following:

Waalz, Welzel, Waelz, Walzel, Waeltz, Weldel, Waeltel, Wellz, Waels, Walsel, Walsle and Wolz.

In Austria, Waalz is a common spelling, while Welzel is seen most often in Germany. In Sweden, Waelz is the predominant spelling, and in Poland, Waeltz is more common. In Holland, Weldel is popular, and in Denmark, Waeltel is more frequently seen.

In the United States, Wellz is common in Pennsylvania, while Walsel is more popular in Indiana, and Walsle is the most common in Wisconsin. In California, the most common spelling of the name is Wolz.

Different spellings of the name may have evolved over time due to varying regional dialects and dialect changes throughout countries and states. Additionally, the spelling can change when going from one language to another, such as when immigrating to the United States.

Famous people with the name Wälzel

• Philip Walzel, German comedian and actor
• Johanna Wälzel, German journalist
• Stephan Wælzel, Danish bassoonist
• Alexander Wälzel, Austrian pianist
• Annemarie Wälzel, German writer
• Nikolai von Wälzel, Russian courtier
• Franz Wälzel, German politician
• Christian Wälzel, German cyclist
• Angelika Wälzel, German politician
• Anna Wälzel-Dittrich, German landscape architecture
• Alexandra Wälzel, German historian
• Manuela Wälzel, German radio host
• Daniela Wälzel, German biathlonist
• Sibylle Wälzel, German flutist
• Dirk Wälzel, German saxophonist
• Joachim Wälzel, German swimming coach
• Désirée Wälzel-Gustafson, Swedish singer, radio personality, artistic director
• Eleonore Wälzel, German interdisciplinary artist
• José Wälzel, German vocal coach
• Jürgen Wälzel, German graphic designer

Other surnames

WalzeWalzer