Surname Weckerl - Meaning and Origin
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Weckerl: What does the surname Weckerl mean?
The last name Weckerl is a German surname of locational origin, indicating the place of origin of the individual bearing the name. The spelling variations of this name include Wecker, Weckert, Wechter, Pfefferkorn, and Pfeffer.
The name Weckerl is derived from the Old High German word "werer", meaning guard. Thus, individuals bearing this last name most likely earned it by being the guard to a landholding lord or liege. As such, it often indicated an individual who had a fairly high standing in society.
In modern Germany, the Weckerl surname is still fairly common, although not as widespread as many other German names. Descending from medieval nobility, many descendants of the Weckerl family have continued to serve in public office and hold distinguished positions in their local communities.
The name Weckerl is also popular among German Americans, indicating its continued relevance in the modern world. Many Weckerl families immigrated to the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite living in a new country, these immigrants treasured their family name and worked to ensure that its reputation would be preserved throughout time.
Order DNA origin analysisWeckerl: Where does the name Weckerl come from?
The last name Weckerl is most commonly found in Austria today. It is an Austrian family name of German origin, and first recorded in Munich in the mid-19th century. The name literally translates to "baker", and may suggest that the family originated in baking or a related industry.
The name Weckerl is a surname most often associated with Austria and Germany. It is not common outside of these countries, although it may be found sporadically in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
In Austria, Weckerl is a relatively common surname. It was listed by the Austrian Census in 2009 as the 110th most popular surname in the country, with a reported 74,536 individuals bearing the name.
It is likely that the vast majority of individuals with the Weckerl surname today are descended from ancestors who originally lived in Austria or Germany. It is not known for certain who the progenitors of the Weckerl family were, although the surname suggests that the family had a connection with the baking or pastry-making industry.
The Weckerl family is one of many that can trace its roots back to Austria or Germany. The proliferation of the surname in the region is a testament to the longevity of the family's presence in the area. For those who carry the Weckerl surname today, it is likely to be a source of pride, an reminder of the family's long history in the region.
Variations of the surname Weckerl
The surname Weckerl is of German-speaking origin and is derived from the Middle High German word Wäckerlin meaning 'watchman', 'guardian', or 'sentinel'. Variants and other spellings of the surname include Waechter, Wächer, Waechterle, Wechter, Waechterer, Weckman, Wäckerle, Wexel, and Wäckl. Variants found in the United States include Watcher, Wachter, and Wechter.
Surnames related to Weckerl are derived from the same root, and include names such as Wacker, Wachtel, Wackerle, Waeckel, Wachlin, Wächter, Weigel, Wecken, Weckenbauer, Wextler, and Wecksler.
Weckerl and its variants were often used as a status name or occupational name, and described someone who was a gatekeeper or watchman. The name comes from the Middle High German word for watchman, Wäckerlin. It was adopted in the 16th and 17th century in a variety of forms.
When the family immigrated to America, the spelling often changed to match the phonetic spelling of the new language. The name may have been altered to fit the easier pronunciation of the English language, or to fit into the customs of the new country. For example, Weckerl may have been shortened to Weck or Wecke, and Waechter may have become Wachter, Watcher, or Wechter.
In some cases, Weckerl and its variants may have been adopted as a nickname or an Anglicized version of a foreign name. In other cases, immigrants from Germany may have simply wanted to fit in with the diverse population of the Americas and have changed their surnames accordingly. This variability of surnames within the same lineage highlights the many different ways in which names can be adapted over time.
Famous people with the name Weckerl
- Anton Weckerl: Austrian politician, member of the National Council of Austria
- Jakob Weckerl: Austrian physician and academic
- Matthias Weckerl von Weckenstein: Bavarian nobleman
- Franz Weckerl: Austrian lawyer and judge
- Josef Weckerl: Austrian composer and teacher
- Ulrich Weckerl: Austrian conductor
- Karl Weckerl: Austrian sculptor
- Heinz Weckerl: Austrian footballer
- Bruno Weckerl: Austrian architect
- Barbara Weckerl: Austrian athlete