Surname Wetzels - Meaning and Origin
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Wetzels: What does the surname Wetzels mean?
The last name Wetzels is derived from the German word “Wetzels” which means "wetzel" or "little wave." The word originates from the Middle High German word witzel. It was first used as a nickname to describe a person with curly or wavy hair.
Historically, bearers of the Wetzels surname were associated with a region of Germany known as the Rhineland-Palatinate. This region produces exquisite wines and – according to oral tradition – is also the birthplace of the Wetzels family. The Wanderspeil game – which first appeared in Rhineland-Palatinate in the 14th century – is also believed to have been a favorite pastime of the Wetzels family.
Wetzels was a popular German surnames in the early 20th century. During this time a number of Wetzels families immigrated to the United States and other parts of the world in search of a better life.
Today, the Wetzels name is a proud legacy of a family with generations of care, friendship, and hospitality. As the Wetzels name is passed down from generation to generation, it is the ultimate reminder of their unique heritage and the stories of their ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisWetzels: Where does the name Wetzels come from?
The last name Wetzels is most commonly found in Germany, where it was first recorded in the 13th century. In particular, Wetzels is most common in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. This state is located in the southwestern part of the country, and its capital is Mainz.
However, Wetzels is not limited to Germany. In fact, the name can be found across Europe, as well as in the United States, Canada, Australia, and even South America.
In America, the last name Wetzels can be found in a variety of states, including Ohio, Wyoming, Michigan, and New York. In particular, New York has the highest concentration of Wetzels, making up the largest demographic by population in the United States.
In Canada, Wetzels is widely scattered across the country, but is primarily concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.
In Australia, the last name Wetzels is most prevalent in the states of Victoria and New South Wales, but can also be found throughout the other states and territories.
Finally, Wetzels is also common in South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Peru.
In conclusion, the last name Wetzels is most commonly found in Germany, but is also scattered throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.
Variations of the surname Wetzels
The surname Wetzels is a German and Dutch variant of the name Wetzel. It is derived from Wetzer, an ancient German personal name derived from the Old High German word wetz meaning “to cut” or “to sharpen” and was used as an occupational name to refer to someone who sharpened knives or other tools.
The name Wetzels can be spelled in a variety of ways, including Wetzel, Wetsell, Wetzeler, Wetze, Wetzelhahn, Wetzl, Wetzelin, Wetzelerin, Wetzlein, Wetzelmann, and Wetzele.
There are numerous variants and surnames of the same origin. Some variations based on place names include Wetzelberg, Wetzelhausen, Wetzelsberg, and Wetzelsheim. It is also derived from other given names, such as Wetscher, Wetzinger, and Wetzner.
Other variants found in non-German speaking countries include Westall, Westole, Westolle, and Wetsell. In French-speaking countries, the name is spelled as vetsel or vitzel. The Czech variant is veczl.
In addition, there are patrynomic variants found in German-speaking countries such as Wetzler and Wetzlau. The Dutch variant is Wetselaar. The Jewish surnames found in the German language include Wetzelsdorf, Wetzer, Wetzlar, Wettstein, Wettstain, and Wetzner.
Famous people with the name Wetzels
- Uwe Wetzels: German football manager and former professional player
- Lars Wetzels: Dutch speed skater and coach
- Anja Wetzels: German figure skater
- Paul Wetzels: Dutch football coach
- George W. Wetzel: American Republican politician
- Jim Wetzel: an American sprinter
- Charlotte Sophia Wetzels: Belgian pianist
- Karl Wetzel: German physician, geographer and mountaineer
- Gerhard Wetzels: German lawyer and politician
- Michael Wetzels: Austrian actor, writer and director