Surname Nitzl - Meaning and Origin
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Nitzl: What does the surname Nitzl mean?
The last name Nitzl is a German name of unknown origin. It is likely to have derived from a German nickname with the same sound, such as "Nitschel" or "Nitzel", which may have referred to someone small and thin. Alternatively, it could have evolved from the word "Nitz", an Old High German word meaning "lamp". In either case, the last name implies a long-standing history of its bearers, potentially dating back to the 8th or 9th century AD.
Today, the last name Nitzl is most prevalent in Germany, with a small number of bearers living in Austria, Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland. Its bearers have created a rich cultural legacy, with notable figures including German historian Egon Nitzl and Olympic swimmer Leopold Nitzl. There is also known military history associated with the name; during the Napoleonic wars, Lieutenant Peter Nitzl served in the Austrian army.
Overall, the last name Nitzl is an intriguing blend of cultural history and storytelling, evoking powerful and deeply-set traditions that have endured for centuries. Its presence in Germany is an enduring testament to the rich cultural heritage of the country, and continues to remind us of the legacy its bearers have left behind.
Order DNA origin analysisNitzl: Where does the name Nitzl come from?
Nitzl is a surname of German origin, meaning "Southern German" or "Netherlandish". It is most common in Germany today, where it has been in use since at least the 16th century. It is also found in a number of countries throughout Europe, especially in Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, as well as in Russia and the United States.
In Germany, the name Nitzl has been recorded in many areas, including the Rhineland, Bavaria, Hamburg, and Hesse. The name also occurs frequently in the United States, most commonly in New England, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Nitzl is thought to be of medieval origin, and can be compared with the Germanic names Nizel and Nitzel. A related name in the United States is Nitzel, which is an Americanized version of the same German name.
In modern times, the surname is mostly found in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. It has also been recorded in some Eastern European countries, notably in the Czech Republic, and in Russia. In America, it is predominantly found in the states of New York and Pennsylvania.
Overall, Nitzl is a surname of German origin that is still in use today, both in Europe and in the United States. It occurs particularly in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, and in Eastern Europe and the United States.
Variations of the surname Nitzl
The surname Nitzl can be spelled in a variety of ways, including Nitzel, Neitzel and Neitzl. It is also sometimes found as an Americanized version called Nitschel or Nitsche.
Nitzl is thought to have originated in Germany, and is a variation on the ancient Germanic name and surname Nitzo, with the addition of the suffix "-el". This suffix specifies a "little" person.
The Nitzl surname is most commonly found in Germany, but Nitschel appears more frequently in the United States.
The Nitzl name is likely derived from the Middle High German word "nice," as an occupational title. It referred to a woodcutter, someone who worked with logs. The Latin form is Nicetius or Nicetus, applied to people who helped process the wood.
The Nitzl surname is associated with a number of noble families, most notably the Nitzl family from Styria, Austria. The Nitzl family crest from Styria is two black cats, facing each other on either side of an upright shield.
Variations on the name Nitzl include Nitzl, Neitzel, Nitzel, Neitzl, Nitschel, and Nitsche. These various spellings and surnames all come from the same origin, and have been historically found in Germany, Austria, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Nitzl
- Jacob Nitzl: singer/songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee known for his popular album “Live From My Heart”.
- Steven Nitzl: longtime tennis player who competed for the U.S. in major tournaments throughout the 1980s.
- Dieter Nitzl: Austrian pop vocalist who had a string of hits in the 1970s and 1980s, and is still active today.
- Naomi Nitzl: German film actress who has appeared in many independent films since the early 2000s.
- Marion Nitzl: futurist and futurologist from Germany who works to create more responsible and sustainable societies.
- Peter Nitzl: composer and multi-instrumentalist from Austria who has written music for several major symphony orchestras.
- Lena Nitzl: American fashion designer who has won numerous awards for her work creating couture clothing.
- Jochen Nitzl: former international rugby player who represented Germany in several major tournaments during the 2000s.
- Robin Nitzl: Italian-born actress and director based in Milan who is known for her thought-provoking films.
- Stefan Nitzl: German athlete who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics in track and field events.