Surname Spitznagl - Meaning and Origin
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Spitznagl: What does the surname Spitznagl mean?
The last name Spitznagl is of German origin, derived from the word “spitz”, meaning “pointed”. The suffix “nagel” typically means “nail”, suggesting that the literal translation of Spitznagl could be “pointed nail”. Historically, Spitznagl is believed to have been used as an occupational surname by candle makers who secured the wicks of candles with pointed nails.
In some regions of Germany, it became established as Spichel, with the word “spike” – similar to “spitz”- being substituted for point. This can be seen in some current spelling variations of the surname, such as Spitznail or Speichel.
In some areas, Spitznagl has also evolved to Spielhagen or Spielhahn, with the word “spielen” meaning “to play,” likely derived from musicians in the church choir or those playing posaune- a type of alpenhorn. This is reflected in some recent branches of the Spitznagl family, bearing the spelling Speilman.
More recent variations of Spitznagl, such as Speece, are believed to have been changed to sound more Americanized and coincide with American immigration records in the 1700s and 1800s.
Ultimately, Spitznagl is a unique surname with a rich history, although the specific origins of the name remain unclear. But its versatility and historical depth have been preserved through widely dispersed branches of the Spitznagl family and its many spelling variations.
Order DNA origin analysisSpitznagl: Where does the name Spitznagl come from?
The last name Spitznagl is most commonly found in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. In Austria, it is found primarily in the states of Upper and Lower Austria. In Germany, you can find Spitznagl scattered throughout the country, but it is most prevalent in Bavaria. In Switzerland, you can find Spitznagl in the cantons of Basel-City and Zurich. In the United States, instances of the name Spitznagl are rarer, though states with the highest concentration of Spitznagl families include Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California.
The Spitznagl name likely derives from the words “spitz” and “Nagel,” which combine to mean “pointed nail.” It is possible that the name was given to people who practiced a craft involving pointed nails, such as carpentry or blacksmithing. Alternatively, the name may be a reference to the family’s geographic origin, such as a settlement or region where pointed nails were made or sold.
The oldest recorded trace of the Spitznagl name dates from 1608, when genetic records show a Hans Spitznagel from Vienna. As it is a relatively unusual name, most Spitznagel’s can trace their heritage back to this founding ancestor.
To this day, Spitznagl is a relatively uncommon name, though its presence and usage are increasing in Austria and Germany. In America, it is used by a small but distinct group of people, usually descendant of European settlers who arrived in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Variations of the surname Spitznagl
The surname Spitznagl is a German-language variant of the surname Spitznagle. It is a habitational name derived from any of the numerous places named Spitznagle or a variant of this name in Germany. Other variants of this surname include Spitznagell, Spitznaegle, Spitznaegl, Spitznegel, and Spitznegl. It is also sometimes spelled Spitznegle.
In some cases, the surname Spitznagl and its variants have been Anglicised to the surnames Spitler/Spitlers, Spittal, and Spitzel.
The Spitznagl surname is not directly connected to any specific Coat of Arms or family crest. However, the Spitznagle family in Germany has been known to use the arms of an eagle perched on a tree; their crest includes a shield with a blue-winged accipiter holding an olive branch in its claws perched atop a tree, beneath a crown.
Famous people with the name Spitznagl
- Martha Spitznagl: Austrian swimmer who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
- Johann Raimund Spitznagl: Austrian painter and printmaker active in Vienna during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Friedrich Spitznagl: Austrian-Swiss botanist who founded the botanical garden at the University of Zurich.
- Bruno Spitznagl: Austrian sculptor best known for his public monuments.
- Wolfgang Spitznagl: Austrian painter and illustrator.
- Julian Spitznagl: Austrian actor, writer and director.
- Milivoje Spitznagl: Croatian footballer who plays for NK Istra 1961.
- John Spitznagl: American songwriter and producer of country and folk music.
- Georg Spitznagl: former East German footballer who was a part of the GDR Olympic team in 1972.
- Kurt Spitznagl: Austrian journalist and music critic.