Surname Wichtel - Meaning and Origin
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Wichtel: What does the surname Wichtel mean?
The last name Wichtel is of German origin and is derived from the German word, “wichtel”, which means “dwarf”. The name has been around since the Middle Ages, when it was used to describe a small, hearty creature. In folklore and fairy tales, the wichtel would often play a helpful role, providing characters with precious items or magical powers.
The name Wichtel could also have come from the surname Wichtelman, which was given to men who lived in, or near, high mountains and valleys. This type of person was of small stature, robust and resourceful, and often served as a guide for travelers.
In today’s society, the last name Wichtel has become less of a description of the person and more of a family name or surname. As a last name, it conveys a sense of rarity and uniqueness, as well as a hint of a magical past.
The people who bear the name Wichtel today may have no direct connection to the wichtels or Wichtelmen of old, but they might still recognize and appreciate the sense of adventure and hope for the future conveyed by their family name.
Order DNA origin analysisWichtel: Where does the name Wichtel come from?
The last name Wichtel is most commonly found in Germany, though there are many Wichtel families located around the world. Wichtel is a surname derived from the German word 'Wichtig', meaning important. It symbolizes a strong sense of responsibility and may have been used to describe important members of a community.
Today, in Germany, Wichtel families can be found all over the country from the north to the south. According to a 2020 population estimate, there are approximately 3500 people living in Germany with the Wichtel surname, with the largest concentration in the region of Bavaria. Bavaria borders Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, suggesting that some Wichtel families have moved from other countries.
Outside of Germany, Wichtel families can be found in the United States, Canada, Colombia, France, and Israel. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Wichtel families are located in Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan. There is also a large population of Wichtels in Colombia, where there may have been an influx of Germans after the 1820s.
Overall, it's clear that Wichtel is a globally dispersed surname. Despite its relatively low population numbers, it has become a part of many different countries' populations, likely due to its easy migration across borders.
Variations of the surname Wichtel
The surname Wichtel (also spelled as Wichtle, Wechtel, Wechel, Wechels, Wechsel, Weeckle, Weckel, Weckelman, Weckelmann, Wichle, Wichmann, Wichtell, Wicht, Wichte, Wichtelmann, or Wigla) is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "wichil" or "wichilin", which refer to sprites featured in German fairytales.
Wichtel is an occupational name, referring to a trader or merchant, and was likely adopted by people from a long family line of merchants. Wichtel is also associated with the old Germanic language of the Palatinate region, which was used in Bavaria, northern Switzerland and South Tyrol in Italy.
Variants of the surname Wichtel extend into other parts of Europe. Wichtel is also found in countries such as Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Variations include Wicht and Wichte in Austria, and Wichel and Wixel in Luxembourg. The surname Weckelmann is also found in Luxembourg and Switzerland.
In America, the surname Wichtel and its variations are usually used interchangeably in anglicized forms. For example, Wichtel has become Wecht, Weigle, Wiggles, aka Wigla, and even Wiggle. Wechel has become VAChuill and van Wechel. Meanwhile Wichle has become Wickel and Weckelmann has become Wickelman.
The German Wichtel is far more widespread and common than its American variations. While it is unsure how many people in the United States currently possess the surname Wichtel and its variants, it is estimated that there are thousands of people in Germany with this surname.
Famous people with the name Wichtel
- Wayne Wichtel: Retired Canadian ice hockey player
- James Wichtel: Canadian minister and broadcaster
- John Wichtel: American entrepreneur and musician
- Tony Wichtel: Actor and voice actor
- Richard Wichtel: German nuclear physicist
- William Wichtel: Austrian conductor
- Joe Wichtel: British professional boxer
- Benjamin Wichtel: German footballer
- Thomas Wichtel: American politician
- Gilly Wichtel: South African actress and TV presenter