Surname Gäßl - Meaning and Origin
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Gäßl: What does the surname Gäßl mean?
The surname Gäßl is a German surname which is derived from the Middle High German word ‘gæse’, a dialectical variant of ‘gazze’, which means ‘goose’. The suffix ‘-l’ is a common German naming convention and is used to identify individuals with a particular occupation, characteristic, or family origin, so Gäßl is likely derived from the word ‘goose’ in order to name a person who had a close relationship with this bird.
It is thought that Gäßl was originally used as an occupational surname among those who raised and hunted geese. This would likely have been a common practice in areas where these birds were abundant and accessible. In fact, goose farming and hunting was so popular in parts of Germany that it generated its own term, gänsewirtschaft. Geese are a common source of food for humans and are also used to create medical treatments and feathers for clothing. It could have also been used by falconers, as geese are sometimes kept as prey animals for hunting hawks and falcons.
There is also the possibility that Gäßl was used as a descriptive or nickname surname. In this case, it would have likely been used to describe a person with a peculiar habit or quality such as being clumsy, awkward or loud - similar to being likened to a noisy, ungainly goose.
Regardless of its origin, the surname Gäßl is an interesting one which reveals a lot about the people who used it in the past. It could have been used to describe or commemorate someone’s connection with geese, or to suggest an attribute like clumsiness or noisiness - though it can only be speculated.
Order DNA origin analysisGäßl: Where does the name Gäßl come from?
The last name Gäßl is most commonly found in modern-day Germany. It is a relatively uncommon name, ranking at number 12,925 on Germany’s list of surnames according to the Genealogical Office of Germany. In nearby Austria, the surname is even more rare, ranking at number 5,234 nationwide. The surname is particularly dense in the southern German state of Bavaria, where it is most common, as it is also found more frequently in the nearby state of Saxony. People with this surname can also be found in other countries around the world such as Denmark, Sweden, Canada, the United States, and even Australia.
The surname Gäßl has many potential origins, but is most likely derived from the German word “Gasse” meaning “alley” or “street”. It likely refers to a person who originally lived in or near an alley or a street. Alternatively, it could also refer to a person who made their living on the streets, such as a street hawker or peddler.
Despite the last name being uncommon, many modern-day people share the Gäßl name. Whether it makes them proud to be part of a unique group or whether it’s just a way to make conversation, having this name can be an interesting piece of trivia to pass along.
Variations of the surname Gäßl
Gäßl is a German surname originating from the Rhineland area. The variants, spellings and surnames for Gäßl and their meanings include:
Gaessl: This spelling of Gäßl is more common in Austria and can also be found in German-speaking parts of Switzerland.
Gassl: This spelling of Gäßl is more common in South Tyrol, sometimes found in Austria and can also be found in German-speaking parts of Switzerland.
Gaessle: This variant is derived from the German word gässlein, meaning a small ditch or gutter.
Gassle: This variant is derived from the German word gäßlein, meaning a small ditch or gutter.
Gäßel: This variant is derived from the dialectal German word gäßel, which means a person who lives in a small village.
Gasel: This variant is also derived from the dialectal German word gäßel, which means a person who lives in a small village.
Gäßele: This variant is derived from the dialectal German word gäßele, meaning a person who lives in a small village.
Gasele: This variant is also derived from the dialectal German word gäßele, meaning a person who lives in a small village.
The surnames derived from Gäßl include Gäßler, Gäßlein, Gäßling, Gäßmann, Gäßner, and Gaselmann. Gäßler is derived from the German word gäßler, meaning “small ditch” and is found in the Rhineland area. Gäßlein, Gäßling, and Gäßmann are all derived from the German word gäßlein, meaning “little ditch” and are found mostly in Austria and the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Gäßner is derived from the German word gäßner, meaning “ditch digger”, and is found mostly in Austria and South Tyrol. Lastly, Gaselmann is derived from the German word gäßelmann, meaning “person who lives in a small village”, and is found mostly in Germany.
Famous people with the name Gäßl
- Ludwig Gäßl: German physicist
- Jon Gäßl: Norwegian ski mountaineer
- Mathias Gäßl: German footballer
- Frederick Gäßl: German javelin thrower
- Margareta Gäßl: Swedish swimmer
- Julian Gäßl: German skating instructor
- Klaus Gäßl: German shot putter
- Jill Gäßl: Danish handball coach
- Martin Gäßl: German Olympian athlete
- Ann Gäßl: Finnish speed skater
- Wolfram Gäßl: German high jumper
- Anna Gäßl: Swedish bodybuilder
- Andreas Gäßl: French ski jumper
- Simon Gäßl: Norwegian ski mountaineer
- Gerd Gäßl: German skier
- Albert Gäßl: Norwegian biathlete
- Fritz Gäßl: Austrian ski guide
- Rolf Gäßl: Danish speed skater
- Uwe Gäßl: German biathlete
- Thomas Gäßl: Austrian mountain biker