Surname Wirfel - Meaning and Origin
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Wirfel: What does the surname Wirfel mean?
The last name Wirfel is of German origin and translates to 'willow tree', signifying that the original bearer of the name likely lived near a stand of willow trees. The Wirfel family history dates back to ancient Germany, emerging as prominent figures in the early Middle Ages. Historical evidence indicates that the Wirfels were amongst the first to settle in what is now modern day Bavaria. Records indicate that members of the Wirfel family were prominent landowners with extensive holdings of land and titles of nobility in the medieval period.
In modern times, the last name Wirfel continues to be prominent around Germany and other parts of Europe. The name is also carried around the world by German emigrants who left the country in the 19th and 20th centuries to settle in the United States, Canada, Australia and South America. In these countries, Wirfel families come together at community gatherings and traditional festivals to celebrate their shared culture and heritage.
The strong sense of community and identity that the Wirfel surname brings, is a testament to the centuries of proud history and courage of its original bearers. Today, the Wirfels are a proud people who continue to hold their cultural identity close to their heart. The willow tree, which the name derives from, stands as a symbol of the strength, perseverance and legacy carried on through generations of Wirfels.
Order DNA origin analysisWirfel: Where does the name Wirfel come from?
The surname Wirfel is a German name originating from Bavaria, which was the region of Germany known for its beer and lederhosen. Today, the surname Wirfel is common in much of Central Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Poland. In the United States, it is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, particularly in the areas of Berks, Montgomery, and Bucks counties, which have a large number of German immigrants. The surname is also fairly common in Canada, especially in areas of Ontario and Alberta which also have a large German immigrant population.
Those with the Wirfel surname can trace their heritage back to Bavarian immigrants who came to the United States and other countries in the 1800s. The name is derived from the German word "würfel," which means cube. This likely refers to the shape of the household of these early immigrants, who lived in homes made of wicker or timber cubes.
The German and Bavarian immigrants who settled in the United States brought with them various traditions, including a unique form of surnames. Many of these surnames have maintained their original spelling, which is why the name Wirfel can still be found in this region today. It is not a common name, however, as it is usually found only in areas of Pennsylvania and other states where there are German immigrants.
Variations of the surname Wirfel
The surname Wirfel is of German and Austrian origin, stemming from the Middle High German word “wirfel” which has the meaning “ring”. Variants of this surname include Wiirfel, Wuerfel, Würfel, Werfel, and Verfel. Spellings in common use are Warfel, Wirfel, and Wörfel.
In Germany, surnames were adopted in the early 1600s and typically derived from the given name of one of the grandfathers. Therefore, some of the surnames which could have evolved from the original Wirfel name are Wurfel, Worfel, Werfel, Werfling, Wurflinger, Worflinger, Würfling, Wurflingen, Worfulingen, and Wurfelingen.
In addition, many immigrants from Europe have Anglicized their names to make them easier to pronounce and spell in their new home country. Common surnames derived from Wirfel during this process include Worful, Worfels, Wurfel, Verfels, Werfel, and Varfels.
In some cases, Wirfel can also be found spelled as Wiehrfel, Whissel, Warfling, Wurf, Würf, and Wharfel. Non-English variants of the same name can include Wyrfel, Whirfel, Werfel, Voelfel, Virfel, Vierfel, Vierfling, Wirpfling, Pyrfling, and Wyhrfling.
The surname Wirfel is found in many countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Denmark, and Sweden.
Famous people with the name Wirfel
- Kimberly Wirfel: actress
- Jody Wirfel: member of the Canadian alternative rock band “The Pits”
- Chris Wirfel: former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Jack Wirfel: former Major League Baseball outfielder
- Victoria Wirfel: two-time Women's National champion on the balance beam
- Nathan Wirfel: musician and songwriter
- Marilyn Wirfel: Broadway and TV actress
- Linda Wirfel: former American professional golfer
- Steve Wirfel: former infielder for the Minnesota Twins
- Melissa Wirfel: Olympic medalist in synchronized swimming
- David Wirfel: author and Occultist
- Dianne Wirfel: American author