Surname Whetsel - Meaning and Origin

Whetsel: What does the surname Whetsel mean?

The last name Whetsel is of German origins, originating from the old German surname Wetzel. This surname is believed to be derived from various Middle High German and Middle Low German forms of the word wetzel or wuzel, which means bow, or bowman. It is likely that the name was initially used for someone who was adept in the use of the bow as a weapon.

The surname Whetsel is a variant spelling of Wetzel, originally a topographic name referring to someone who lived near a bend in a road, river or stream. It is believed that the name is derived from the Middle High German word wenden, which means to turn or change direction.

In the United States, the surname Whetsel is found in Pennsylvania, although families with this surname can be found in other US states. It is also found in countries such as the Czech Republic, Canada, and Denmark.

The surname Whetsel is an offshoot of Wetzel, a longtime, respected German surname. Among its many and various bearers, the name can be found in various forms, including Wetsel, Wetzell, Wetzler and Wetzell. All of these variants are derived from the Middle High German and Middle Low German root words wetzel and wuzel.

Whetsel: Where does the name Whetsel come from?

The last name Whetsel is most commonly found in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020, the surname is most popular in the state of Ohio, ranking 1,054th in the state. Other states with significant numbers of Whetsels include Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and South Carolina.

The surname Whetsel has its roots in the German language and is derived from the word "wäschel", which means "cotton wool". The name is believed to have been given to someone who makes clothing or spun fibers from cotton. It has also been suggested that it is a patronymic name, derived from the first name of the father of the original bearer.

According to the surname website Forebears, Whetsel is present in at least 25 countries worldwide, with the highest population density being in the United States. The website also noted that it is likely an Americanized version of the German name Wäschel. Other countries with significant Whetsel populations include Canada, Germany, Belgium, France, and Australia.

Overall, the last name Whetsel is most common today in the United States, with its highest population density being in Ohio. It is a common Americanized version of the German surname Wäschel, and is found throughout the world in 25 countries.

Variations of the surname Whetsel

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Whetsel include Wetzel, Wetsell, Whetsler, Wetsel, Whetslar, Wetzler, Weitzel, Wetzell, Whitsel, Whitsler, Whitsell, Whitham, Whettham, Witham, Whitson, Whetstone, Whestone, Wetstone, Whitcomb, and Whetcomb.

Whetsel is believed to be a Germanic surname which likely derived from the Middle High German word “wezzele”, meaning “little one” or “youth”.

The Wetzel variant derived from the original German spelling of Wetzel. The Wetsell variant has lingered on in western Germany. The Whetsler and Wetsel variants originated from Berlin and parts of Bavaria, whereas the Whetslar variant is commonly found along the Rhine Valley.

The Weitzel and Wetzell variants are both located in Germany's Upper Rhineland. The Whitsel variant is derived from the Dutch dialect of West Friesland; the Whettham variant is found in northern Germany; and the Witham variant is derived from Westphalia.

The Whitson, Whetstone, Whestone, and Wetstone variants are alternately derived from either Cornwall or Devon, England, where numerous spellings of the name have been noted.

In America, some of the surnames on this list have been modified slightly. Whitcomb, Whetcomb, and Whitsall are the often the result of dialects regard, spelling reforms, and phonetic spellings.

Famous people with the name Whetsel

• Ryan Whetsel, Creative Director at Armored Giant
• Brent Whetsel, retired American football defensive end
• Blake Whetsel, former American college basketball player
• Willie Whetsel, former American college football player
• Ernie Whetsel, former American professional baseball player
• Kirk Whetsel, former American college football player
• Michael Whetsel, American competitive swimmer
• Greg Whetsel, former American college football player
• Kaye Whetsel, retired American tennis player
• Brian Whetsel, American stand-up comedian

Other surnames

Whetsell