Surname Würmel - Meaning and Origin
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Würmel: What does the surname Würmel mean?
Würmel is a German surname, derived from the old German word ‘wurm’ meaning ‘worm’. It is most likely derived from the occupational name ‘Wurmmeister’, meaning ‘master of worms’, or a nickname for someone with a somewhat slimy personality.
The surname was particularly common in southern Germany. In the Middle Ages, a number of documents were found in Bavaria that included the Würmel name. It was also recorded in Baden-Wurttemberg, Switzerland and Austria.
The name itself then spread into other countries including Denmark, Sweden and the United States. The most famous bearer of the name in the United States is writer and film producer Jim Würmel, who wrote the screenplay for the critically acclaimed film ‘The Big Lebowski’.
Overall, the origin of the Würmel surname is likely rooted in the Medieval period. The word ‘worm’ was used to describe people who were slimy or untrustworthy, and over time the name became a popular surname across a variety of regions and countries.
Order DNA origin analysisWürmel: Where does the name Würmel come from?
The last name Würmel is most commonly seen today in parts of Germany, particularly in the region around Bavaria. This is due to the fact that Bavaria was the homeland of the Würmel clan, the earliest bearers of the name. Records from the 16th century show that many of the Würmel family members lived in Bavaria, although some moved to other parts of Germany, as well as more distant parts of Europe.
The name is derived from two German words, 'Wurm' and 'Ehl', which combined create the name 'Würmel'. Wurm means 'worm', or 'whim', while Ehl means 'noble' or 'honourable', and when combined, is meant to depict someone who is noble and discerning.
In more modern times, the Würmels largely live in Germany and Austria, and many have moved to other parts of Europe, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Many Würmels tend to be scattered across the globe, making it difficult to pinpoint the origins of each individual without more precise genealogical records.
The Würmel family features prominently among German society, with many distinguished members known for their excellence in the academic, military, political, and entrepreneurial fields. The name is particularly popular in Bavaria, owing to its origins and traditional ties to the region.
Variations of the surname Würmel
The surname Würmel is a Germanic family name, derived from the Germanic language spoken in the Rhineland. The name has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common spelling for the surname is Würmel, but it can also be spelled Wurmel, Woermele, Wurmell, Wuermele, and Wurmele. Additionally, the surname can be found under alternate spellings such as Wermele, Wermeller, Wehrmele, Wehrmuhl, Wermel, and Woermeier.
Variants of the surname include Wiram, Wiramme, Wurm, Wurmme, Wurmell, Wurrme, Wiramme, Weiramme, Wirmele, and Wermer. Common surnames with the same origin as Würmel include Wurm, Wurmler, Wurmli, Woermele, and Wuermele.
Finally, there are a few additional surnames that are derived from variants of the name Würmel. These include Wurmelein, Wurmlein, Wurmli, Wurmlen, Würmelin, Würmle, and Würmlin.
In conclusion, the surname Würmel has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, including many surnames related to Würmel itself. These alternate surnames range from variants of the spelling to derivative surnames, and all trace back to the Germanic language.
Famous people with the name Würmel
- Ignaz Würmel: Austrian sculptor, 1845–1936.
- Heinrich Würmel: Austrian anatomist and professor of zoology, 1836–1905.
- Josef Würmel: Austrian writer, 1915–2015.
- Karl Würmel: Austrian dirigible pioneer, 1868–1927.
- Michael Würmel: Austrian composer and organist, 1667–1700.
- Othmar Würmel: Austrian modern pentathlete and skier, b. 1972.
- Richard Würmel: Austrian musicologist and mediaevalist, 1863–1930.
- Karl Würmel: Viennese master organ builder, 1808–1898.
- Georg Würmel: Austrian illustrator and graphics designer, active in the early 20th century.
- Ernst Würmel: Austrian reportage photographer, 1875–1943.