Surname Tänzl - Meaning and Origin
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Tänzl: What does the surname Tänzl mean?
The last name Tänzl is of German and Austrian origin, deriving from a German occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "tanzen," meaning to dance. The Tänzl surname is found mostly in south-central German-speaking areas like Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany, but it has also been identified in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and Australia. This suggests that either this last name was brought to these countries by immigrants or that there was a migration of people carrying the family name at a certain point.
The Tänzl name is a popular and distinctive one, with many people proudly bearing the surname. Within the family, members show a sense of a shared history and identity, with stories of ancestors being passed down through generations. This surname remains popular in these areas due to its unique meaning that sums up a distinct element of the family’s identity, heritage, and culture. To them, being a Tänzl is something to be proud of.
Order DNA origin analysisTänzl: Where does the name Tänzl come from?
The last name Tänzl is most commonly found in parts of central Europe today. Specifically, people with this last name can be found in Austria, as well as parts of Germany and the Czech Republic. It is also occasionally seen in Slovakia.
The origin of the name Tänzl is believed to stem from the German words tanz, meaning “dance” or “movement”, and el, meaning “law”. It is possible that this last name was once used as an occupational name for a dance leader or choreographer, or someone else involved with organizing dances or other types of performance.
Due to the regions in which Tänzl is most commonly found, it belongs to the group of Germanic surnames that can also be found in Switzerland, France, and other areas of Central Europe. Research indicates that the name Tänzl also has variants in other languages, including Tanzl (German), Tancl (Czech), and Tanclova (Slovak).
Tänzl is not listed as one of the most commonly found names in any of the countries in which it is most commonly found. However, it is common enough to be recorded in most countries’ population census collections. Overall, the last name Tänzl is not found very often, but those who carry it have an interesting and unique origin story.
Variations of the surname Tänzl
The surname Tänzl can be spelled in various ways, including Tänzel, Tanzel, Tanzl, Tanzil, Tonzl, Tonzel, Tenzl, and Tenzel. Variants of this surname include Tansley, Tsangli, Tsanglis, and Tzanglis.
The surname Tänzl is of German origin and derives from the given name Antonius. It was first found in the Motzgau region of Germany, where the Tänzl family settled in early times. From there, the family branched out across Germany and eventually into the U.S. and other parts of the world.
The name is likely an occupational name, derived from the Old German word "tanzer" which means "dancer." It is likely that the first bearer of the surname was a professional dancer or someone connected to the dance industry, such as a dance teacher or choreographer.
In the 19th century, some members of the Tänzl family emigrated to the United States. The spelling of the surname in the U.S. often varies. Some American variants of the name include Tanzei, Tanzy, and Tense.
The Tänzl family spread to other parts of the world as well, arriving in Canada and Australia with the 18th and 19th century German emigres. Variants of the name in Canada and Australia include Tansley, Tonsley, Tenzly, and Tzelley.
The Tänzls have also spread through the British Isles and into other parts of Europe. Variants of the surname in England include Tansell, Tanselly, Tanzill, Tansella, and Tansello. Variants in other parts of Europe include Tangl, Tangli, Tanglo, Tanglis, and Tuschel.
Regardless of spelling, the surname Tänzl is an old German name and, we can assume, that the original bearer of the name was, at least tangentially, connected to the world of dance.
Famous people with the name Tänzl
- Tomáš Tänzl: professional volleyball player from the Czech Republic who plays as a middle blocker
- Michael Tänzl: Austrian composer, musician and writer
- Jean Tänzl: Brazilian football player who plays for Fluminense FC
- Anna Tänzl: German classical soprano and songwriter
- Franz Tänzl: Austrian sculptor
- Martin Tänzl: German cameraman and film director
- Karl Tänzl: Austrian-born writer and editor
- Alexander Tänzl: Austrian skydiver and skydiving photographer
- Robert Tänzl: Austrian figure skater and coach
- Johannes Tänzl: German cross-country skier