Surname Wessel - Meaning and Origin
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Navigating the Wessel Surname: A Personal Journey into Genetic Heritage by iGENEA
Upon receiving the results of my iGENEA DNA analysis, I was able to uncover an enhanced understanding of my German surname – Wessel. The DNA report, confirming both known and unexpected truths of my family lineage, highlighted the intricate interplay between genetics, heritage, and history.
L. Wessel
read moreWessel: What does the surname Wessel mean?
The last name Wessel is of German origin, with the surname first originating in the Saxony region of Germany. It's derived from the Old German word ‘wesil’, meaning ‘dweller at the west side of a village’ or ‘west place’. It could, therefore, refer to someone that lived in the western area of a town or hamlet.
In the Middle Ages, German last names often referred to a person’s family’s home village or region, thus indicating where their family had originated from. It is believed that Wessel was used as a distinguishing name for a variety of relatives and neighbours who lived in the same locality.
The spelling of the last name Wessel has undergone many variations throughout the centuries, which has resulted in many variant spellings. Among the many variations of spellings are Wessle, Wesssel, Wessell, Weselle, Weselle, Weseele, Weseler, Wesele, and Wesler.
Today, Wessel is an uncommon last name in the United States, with a total of only 1575 individuals with the surname across the nation. It is most prevalent in Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, Austria, and Switzerland.
Those with the Wessel last name likely have their roots in Germany, and can be proud of their German heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisWessel: Where does the name Wessel come from?
The last name Wessel is most commonly found in German-speaking countries, with the majority of people with this name living in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This name is also found in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.
The earliest records of the surname Wessel are from the 13th century in Austria. From there, it was likely carried by immigrants to other parts of Europe and eventually the United States. The name can also be found in England, where it is believed to have been introduced by the Norman Conquest.
In Germany, the surname Wessel is most common in the states of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as several other areas. In Austria, the name is most frequently found in the Vienna region.
In the United States, the name is widespread, with the highest concentrations found in California, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. According to the 2000 census, more than 33,000 Americans have the surname Wessel.
Overall, the name Wessel is fairly common in many parts of the world, particularly in German-speaking countries. Its history goes back centuries, and it is still commonly used in countries around the globe today.
Variations of the surname Wessel
The surname Wessel is a patronymic surname derived from the male given name Wessel. The surname Wessel is a Dutch and German name which dates back to the 12th century. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Wessel include Wessels, Wissel, Wiessel, Wessely, Wesel, Wesselen, Wessels, Wesselke, Wesselmann, Wesselaar, Weseler, Weselmann, and Weseloh.
The given name Wessel is derived from the old Germanic personal name Wasfrid which means ‘forest peace’. The surname Wessel originated as a patronymic—a surname derived from the given name of the father—and is most common in areas of Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The modern spelling of Wessel is an altered pronunciation of the original spelling of Wissel which was derived from the given name Wessel.
As well as being derived from the given name Wessel, the surname Wessel is associated with a homonymic location of the same name. This place name may have been derived from the Old High German words ‘wissan,’ meaning to instruct, and ‘loh,’ meaning a meadow, which together mean ‘school meadow’. The place name may also have originated from the Germanic word ‘wisal,’ meaning an area near a river or stream.
Due to its ancient origins and versatility, the surname Wessel is available in various spellings and variations all over Europe. In languages such as German, Dutch, Belgian, French, and Czech, variations of the name Wessel can be found. Similarly, depending on the region, different surnames of the same origin may exist.
Famous people with the name Wessel
- Stephen Wessel, a researcher and scientific advisor in energy and environment policy
- Tim Wessel, a retired mechanical engineer and former NFL player
- Steffen Wessel, a German surgeon and expert in tissue engineering
- Ferdinand Wessel, a German postmodern architect
- Shirley Wessel, a Brazilian theater director
- Gerd Wessel, a German-born classical guitarist and composer
- Iris Wessel, a German actor
- Bob Wessel, American independent movie producer
- Micaela Wessel, a German writer and performer
- David Wessel, a former Wall Street Journal economics editor