Surname Wegerl - Meaning and Origin
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Wegerl: What does the surname Wegerl mean?
The German surname Wegerl has a few possible etymological origins. From the Middle High German word ‘wager’, it could be derived from a nickname for someone who was an excellent negotiator, or from someone who was involved in the business of bargaining, such as a shopkeeper. Age-related nicknames such as ‘weetizer’ or ‘waeger’ could also be the source. It is also possible that the name derived from the Middle High German ‘wegerle’, referring to an early form of a river barge used in the Middle Ages.
The name Wegerl may have originated as a location-based surname, used to describe someone from a particular village, settlement, or estate in Germany. It is seen nowadays as a common surname in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but is relatively rare elsewhere.
Whichever is the original origin of the name Wegerl, it is today often seen as a symbol of pride among the family members who carry it, representing their ancestral lineage and the extended family or tribe that has since grown from it. It is likely to have been in existence for centuries, with the potential to be carried to many more in the years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisWegerl: Where does the name Wegerl come from?
The last name Wegerl is most commonly found in Austria and southern Germany today. Records show the surname was first used in the Germanic region in the 13th century. The original form of the name is believed to be Wagerle, which came from the same root as the German word wagen, meaning “wagon”.
In Austria, the Wegerl name is most prevalent in the south, specifically in the states of Salzburg and Styria, as well as in the city of Vienna. Records also show a high concentration in several smaller towns throughout Austria, especially around Graz. Further south in Germany, the name is found in the cities and towns of the Bavarian and Baden-Württemberg states, which make up the southern area of the country.
In terms of other countries, records suggest that Wegerl is most commonly found in Switzerland, Italy, and in other parts of Europe such as France and Belgium. It is also found in overseas countries, with a particularly strong presence in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Overall, the Wegerl family name is widely spread throughout the Germanic regions of Europe, and is also found in many other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Wegerl
Wegerl is a German surname, originating from Bavaria. It is primarily found in Germany, Austria, and the United States. The variants of Wegerl include Weigle, Weigal, Wegerle, Weigel, Weigal, Weigelt, Weigela, Weigela, Veigel, Veigal, Veigelt, and Veigela.
Weigle is the most common spelling variant of Wegerl, and is primarily seen in the United States. It is derived from the German "weigel," meaning a chocolate fountain or a whirling cake. Weigal is a slightly more uncommon spelling, while Wegerle is relatively rare.
Weigel is an alternative spelling of Wegerl, found across Germany. It derives from the Middle High German “wîgal” or “wîgel,” meaning willow branch or lime twig. This spelling is found primarily in north Germany, where it is used interchangeably with Wegerl.
Weigal, Weigelt, and Weigela are variants of Wegerl that are more closely associated with Austria, though they are found in some parts of Germany as well. These variants are derived either from the German “weigeln” (to roll around or lumber) or the Austrian word for meadow, “weigel.”
Veigel, Veigal, Veigelt, and Veigela are spelling variations of Wegerl that are more closely associated with Austria. They are derived from the Austrian word for meadow, “weigel.” They drop the “w” sound and replace it with a “v” sound to create the distinctive Austrian pronunciation.
Famous people with the name Wegerl
- Wolfgang Wegerl: former Austrian football goalkeeper
- Susanne Wegerl: Austrian rower who won two bronze medals at the 1992 Summer Olympics
- Walt Wegerl: American former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher
- Lidia Wegerl: Argentine professional chess player
- Ludwig Wegerl: German-born Austrian otorhinolaryngologist
- Werner Wegerl: German politician
- Irene Wegerl: Austrian ice dancer
- Julius Wegerl: Austrian artist and illustrator
- Johann Martin Wegerl: Austrian writer
- Sepp Wegerl: Austrian ski mountaineer
- Christian Wegerl: Austrian painter and sculptor
- Günther Wegerl: an Austrian ice hockey player
- Manfred Wegerl: Austrian lawyer and politician
- Maria Wegerl: Austrian opera singer
- Karl Wegerl: Austrian journalist and writer