Surname Wetzlar - Meaning and Origin
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Wetzlar: What does the surname Wetzlar mean?
The last name Wetzlar is of German origin, originating from the city of Wetzlar. This city was established in the late 11th century and is located in the German state of Hesse. The origin of the name itself is likely derived from the German words "Wetzel", which means "spinner", and "lahr", which means "meadow". This combination of words together may refer to an area where people spun wool.
The surname Wetzlar is quite common in Germany to this day, and in the United States it is most frequently found in Pennsylvania, which was a center for German immigration during colonial times. The name is also quite common in Australia, Canada, and other European countries such as France and the Netherlands.
Overall, the Wetzlar surname has been an enduring testament to the German people's legacy throughout the centuries. It speaks to their commitment to craftsmanship and their skill for weaving wool as well as their amazing ability to spread their culture and influence around the world. Especially to this day, it is a symbol of robust and resilient culture.
Order DNA origin analysisWetzlar: Where does the name Wetzlar come from?
The last name Wetzlar is most commonly found in Germany today. The city of Wetzlar in the northeast of the country is located between the major cities of Gießen and Frankfurt. The city is known for its optical industry, and this is where the name originates from.
It is believed that the name first began to be used in around the 1600s, connected to the glass-making and optical craftsmen who lived in and around the city. It is also believed to be connected to a large trade fair that used to take place in the city, inviting traders from all over. The name was used to distinguish participants who were from Wetzlar, and was adopted by some of them as a result.
Nowadays, the last name Wetzlar is still common in the city itself, as well as in nearby towns and villages. But it can also be found further afield in Germany, as well as in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark, as many of the original inhabitants of the city have migrated there over the years.
Variations of the surname Wetzlar
The surname Wetzlar can have many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Wetzel, Wetzeler, Wetzele, Wetzelin, Vetzlar, Vetzler, Vetzle, Vetzelin, Vettel, Vettler, Vettle, Vettelin, Wetzlau, Wetzlauer, Wetzlaug, Wetzlaughe, Wetzle, Wetzlebener, Wetzleber, Wetzlin, Wetzlinger, Wetzlauer, Wetzlaurer, Wetzlir, Wetzler, Wetzleman and Wetzlmann.
The main variations linked to the surname Wetzlar are those that have the vowel “e” within the spelling as opposed to “i”, “a”, “o”, “u”, or “au”. Wetzeler, Wetzeler, Vetzler, Vettler, Wetzlauer, Wetzleber, and Wetzler are all variants which include the letter “e” and are all variations of the same origin.
The most common associated surnames are Wetzel, Vetzlar, and Wetzlau. These surnames have the highest population of individuals bearing this surname, making up the majority. Throughout Europe, specifically Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Wetzel is the most common descendant for the original surname Wetzlar.
Other spellings that have been derived more recently include Vettelman and Wetzlin. These are variations derived more recently primarily through immigration from the countries where Wetzlar originated from. The remaining spellings with the exceptions of Vettelin, Vetzelin, Wetzlebener, and Wetzleman are found to be more localized variations.
Famous people with the name Wetzlar
- Tomas Wetzlar: Spanish professional footballer.
- Constantin Wetzlar: Austrian entrepreneur and philanthropist.
- Thomas Wetzlar: German sculptor and painter.
- Peter Wetzlar: German journalist, and the former editor-in-chief of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung.
- Paul Wetzlar: German architect and painter.
- August Wetzlar: German painter and art collector.
- Georg Wetzlar: German landscape painter.
- Maria Wetzlar: German politician and academic and a former member of the German Bundestag.
- Helmut Wetzlar: German painter, sculptor, and graphic artist.
- Gisela Wetzlar: German political scientist and a former German ambassador.
- Rainer Wetzlar: German politician and former leader of the German Democratic Republic.
- Andreas Wetzlar: German footballer who currently plays for Rot-Weiß Oberhausen.
- Melchior Wetzlar: German scenographer and painter.
- Sabine Wetzlar: German politician and former member of the Bundestag.
- Wolfgang Wetzlar: German countertenor and musical director.
- Wilhelm Wetzlar: German writer and playwright.
- Tobias Wetzlar: German painter and sculptor.