Surname Witzl - Meaning and Origin
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Witzl: What does the surname Witzl mean?
The last name Witzl is of German origin and dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a habitational name derived from various places called Witzel or Witzelberg in the German regions of Bavaria and Saxony. The name is derived from the Old High German word *wic-hel, meaning ‘clearing or glade in the woods’. This name is often associated with the Witzel family in the 12th century who had a noble status and owned several estates in Bavaria and Upper Franconia.
Over time, the name of the family became Witzl and spread throughout central and southeastern Germany. Today, it is commonly found in the German states of Bavaria and Saxony and in other countries around the world, including the United States.
The surname Witzl is carried by the descendants of the original family and is considered an honorable designation. It is often associated with traits such as industriousness, sound judgement, and inner strength. A bearer of this name is expected to live honorably, make wise decisions and maintain their family's legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisWitzl: Where does the name Witzl come from?
The last name "Witzl" is most commonly seen today in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Central Europe. It is a relatively rare name compared to more popular names in the region such as Müller, Schmidt, and Meier. The name is derived from the ancient Germanic name "Wizla", which means "warrior". It is believed that the surname first appeared in Europe during the 8th century when Germanic tribes such as the Franks, Saxons, and Bavarians began settling in what is now Germany.
During the Middle Ages, it was mainly associated with people of aristocratic or noble background. After the fall of the Holy Roman Empire in the early 19th century, the name "Witzl" began to spread to other areas of Europe. It is now most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Central Europe, as well as the United States and Canada, where people of German heritage live.
The original meaning of "Witzl" is still visible today, as it is often used for people with a strong social standing or of noble heritage. It is also sometimes used as an occupational name, in particular for someone who worked in the stonemasonry trade. The name is still relatively uncommon, and can also be adapted for a more modern day name, such as "Wittzel" or "Witzel".
Variations of the surname Witzl
The surname Witzl is an Austrian surname and is believed to be of Germanic origin. Its variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Wittel, Widerl, Wiedl, Wiedlitz, Wittel, Wittelmayer, Witzel, Witzelmayer, Wirzl, Wirzle, Wirzlewsky, Worzl, Vitzel, Vitzelmayer and Vitzl.
The spelling Wittel is believed to have been derived from the German word 'wit' which was derived from the old Germanic word 'witan' meaning 'to look at' or 'to examine'. This was likely a reference to an ancestor who was a judge. Widerl is also believed to have been derived from this same root.
The Wiedl spelling is said to have originated from the Middle High German word 'witen' which was a combination of the verb 'wissen', meaning 'to know', and the prefix 'wi', meaning 'with'. Wittelmayer is derived from a root which became 'maier' meaning 'mayor', so this was likely a reference to an ancestor who was a mayor.
Witzel is possibly derived from the German word 'wizzen' or 'wissen' meaning 'to know' and likely indicated an ancestor who was well informed. Witzelmayer, Wirzl and Wirzlewsky are likely derived from the same root.
Vitzel, Vitzelmayer and Vitzl are likely derived from the German word 'witz' which means 'wit' or 'cleverness'. This was likely a reference to an ancestor who was particularly witty or clever.
Famous people with the name Witzl
- William Witzl: is an American producer, actor, writer, and director. He is best known for writing the screenplay to the classic Christmas movie Miracle on 34th Street, produced in 1947.
- Joe Witzl: is an American director, producer, and editor. He has produced projects for MTV, AMC, ABC, NBC Universal, VH1, and Comedy Central, among others.
- Maxime Witzl: is a French professional basketball player. He currently plays for SIG Strasbourg of the LNB Pro A.
- Hermann Witzl: was a German spatial theorist and architect. He was a professor at Berlin's Technical University and a significant contributor to the reconstruction of post-war Germany.
- David Witzl: is an American professional volleyball player who played for the USA Men's National Team and professionally for various clubs around the world.
- Paul Witzl: is a German professional cyclist. He currently races for Lotto–Soudal.
- John Witzl: is an American author of children's books, best known for his series The Adventures of Wesley Glintstone.
- Klaus Witzl: is a German former long-distance runner who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics and the World Championships in Athletics.
- Uwe Witzl: is a Swiss ski mountaineer and long-distance runner. He has won several international competitions in ski mountaineering, including the Patrouille des Glaciers and Trophée des Gastlosen.
- Jeff Witzl: is an American actor. He is best known for his role as “Marty” in the high school drama series, The O.C.