Surname Weigel - Meaning and Origin
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Reframing Personal Identity and Heritage Through iGENEA DNA Test: A Journey Through The Surname 'Weigel'
The iGENEA DNA test was an eye-opener, providing a surprising depth to my understanding of my own identity and heritage. It particularly reshaped my perception of my surname 'Weigel', positioning it as a symbol of my lineage's past rather than a mere identification tag.
V. Weigel
read moreWeigel: What does the surname Weigel mean?
The last name Weigel is of German origin. The name derives from the German word Weigel, meaning "alderman or magistrate". The surname is typically found in Germany, Austria, and other Northern European countries.
In the Middle Ages, the Weigel name typically referred to a civil servant in a royal court or the local lord's court. This person was responsible for a variety of duties ranging from tax collection and administration of justice. The profession of alderman was very prestigious and usually reserved for men of noble descent.
The German surname Weigel is an occupational name that describes someone who held the title of alderman. As a result, the modern meaning of the Weigel surname is of someone with a strong political background in Northern Europe. It also denotes someone of a higher social standing and authority.
Today, the Weigel name mainly appears as a surname in Northern Europe. It is also seen in Australia, Canada and the United States. The surname Weigel is now associated with families of German-speaking heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisWeigel: Where does the name Weigel come from?
The surname Weigel is most commonly found in Germany today, where it is among the top 800 last names. It is said to have derived from "wegle", a term for a flat stone or flagstone used to stabilize pathways. The name is believed to have originally been given to flagstone-setters and later adopted as a surname.
Other countries with high concentrations of the Weigel surname include Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Poland, and the Netherlands. Weigel families can also be found in parts of the United States, particularly states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Ohio where many German immigrants settled during the 19th century.
It is believed that the original Weigel family resided in what is now the Czech Republic near the village of Zwickau. Records indicate that a Thomas Weigel was born in Bohemia in 1845; he and his family later immigrated to the United States in 1850 and eventually settled in Wisconsin. There are also records of Weigel families arriving in various parts of the United States from Germany at various times during the 1800s, including Ohio, Illinois, and New York.
Today, the Weigel surname is scattered throughout the world though highest concentration of family members are still found in Germany.
Variations of the surname Weigel
The surname Weigel is a German and Ashkenazic Jewish surname, derived from the Middle High German word ‘weigel’ which referred to a person who raised poultry. Variants of this surname include Weigal, Weigl, Weigle, Weikel, Weikle, Weikill, Wiegel, Wigal, Wigall, Wigals, Wigle, and Wygel.
The Weigel surname can also be found in numerous spellings. In Germany, some variations include Weigal, Weigl, Weigle, and Wygel. In other countries with high German and Ashkenazic population, such as the US, Canada, and Israel, common variants include Weigal, Weigle, Wigal, and Wigle.
There are also a number of surnames of similar origins and spellings that may be related to Weigel, such as Weigold, Weikert, Weiker, Wieczorek, and Vig.
Lastly, there are some surnames of the same origin which may be considered related surnames rather than variants of Weigel, such as Wieck, Weichel, Weygand, Weyne, and Weymann. These names are derived from the Middle High German terms ‘wolken’ (clouds) and ‘weg’ (way) and were used as occupational titles in the Middle Ages.
Overall, the Weigel surname is quite common in German-speaking countries, especially within the Ashkenazic Jewish and German communities. In addition to its numerous variants, spellings, and related surnames, its origin from the Middle High German word ‘weigel’ also makes its meaning quite apparent.
Famous people with the name Weigel
- Marisa Weigel: Actress
- Dieter Weigel: Former German ice hockey player
- Ernie Weigel: Former Major League Baseball player
- Claire Weigel: Actress
- Karoline Weigel: German businesswomen
- Richard Weigel: American artist
- Malcolm Weigel: American diplomat
- Gisela Weigel: German actress and writer
- Walter Weigel: Former German diplomat
- Patrik Weigel: German footballer
- Jenny Weigel: German actress
- Christian Weigel: German footballer