Surname Westfal - Meaning and Origin
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Westfal: What does the surname Westfal mean?
The surname Westfal is derived from the old German word "Westfalen" which refers to Westphalia, a region in Germany that borders the Netherlands, Belgium, and the North Sea. The name itself literally means "western region."
Westfalian ancestors first began using this surname to identify themselves as natives of the region. As more Westfalian people started emigrating from Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, the surname spread around the world and became adopted by various Westfalian descendants.
Westfal is an old name that is still often heard today among the Westfalian people, both in Europe and in other countries such as the United States. Family legend and ancestral records of Westfalian families living in America also prove the surname is mostly shared among those of Germanic ancestry.
The surname is also popular in other parts of the world and is found particularly in Dutch and Australian societies. In Dutch, the name is often spelled as Westval and in Australia, it is also spelled as Westvall.
The name Westfal is associated with the Westfalian people who are known for their strong work ethic. It is a reminder of the hard-working characters that have been a part of the Westfalian heritage for centuries, and that have been passed down to the modern day.
Order DNA origin analysisWestfal: Where does the name Westfal come from?
The last name Westfal is most commonly found in Germany and the surrounding countries. According to a recent study, Westfal is the 879th most common last name in Germany, making it one of the most common German surnames. It is also a frequent name in Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
In the United States, Westfal is most commonly found in Pennsylvania and Illinois. These two states have the highest concentration of Westfals, with a few other Westfals scattered throughout the other states.
Many of the American Westfals descend from the Westfals who immigrated to the United States from Germany, primarily in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Other Westfals may have arrived in the United States much earlier, as there were smaller waves of German immigrants from Prussia who came to the United States prior to the 1800s.
The last name Westfal has been in widespread use throughout Europe for centuries, and its prevalence is likely to remain strong in the coming years as more families continue to emigrate from Europe.
Variations of the surname Westfal
Westfal is a surname of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German "Westval" which means "Western Wood" and is likely to have been originally taken from the name of a local place or landmark. Spelling variations include Westfahl, Westfall, Westphahl, Westphal, Westphall, Westfallen, Westfalle, and Westhal.
The Westfal surname is a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the first name of the father of the initial bearer. The WWII German Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt (1875 – 1953) had the surname "Westphal," indicating that his father was named Westfal.
Westfahl is probably the most common German spelling today, while Westfall is a more common spelling in the United States. Surnames related to Westfal are Vestfall, Mostfahl, Westfahl, and Westhahl. These surnames may have derived from the medieval "Westval" and have similar etymological origins.
The Westfal surname is rarely found outside of Germany and the United States, but is still quite common in both countries. It often appears as a secondary surname in records and is usually found in areas originally populated by German immigrants.
Famous people with the name Westfal
- Pam Westphal: Model and former Miss USA contestant
- Terrell Westfal: American Twins Minor League Baseball pitcher
- Frederick Westfal: Major General in the United States Air Force
- Carolyn Westfal: Actress
- Rodney Westfal: British playwright and actor
- Zachary Westfal: Professional soccer player
- Bryan Westfal: Professional Football Player
- Dave Westfal: Former professional American football player
- Kristina Westfal: Professional snowboarder
- Morgan Westfal: Professional MMA Fighter