Surname Weltzel - Meaning and Origin

Weltzel: What does the surname Weltzel mean?

The last name Weltzel is of German origin. It is derived from the word “weltsch,” which means “world” in the German language. This surname is believed to have originated from a given name, most likely Walter, which is derived from the Germanic word “wald” or “rule.”

This name likely originally referred to someone who was viewed or seen as a “ruler of the world,” or a leader in some way. It is possible that the surname could have also had the connotation of “being a traveler” or someone who traveled the world.

The Weltzel surname is found primarily in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. The name itself spread particularly throughout Germany during the early Middle Ages. Records show that it has been in existence since at least the 12th century.

It has been suggested that the Weltzel family originated from Thuringia, a state in central Germany. The earliest known record of the Weltzel name dates to 1233, indicating that the surname has been around for centuries.

The name has also made its way to the United States. Records here show that the name was present by the 1700s, with the earliest recorded individual bearing this name being Bernard Weltzel of Pennsylvania in 1738.

Overall, the last name of Weltzel has quite a long and interesting history which dates back centuries. It is a name which conveys a sense of power and leadership, and is one which is still found in many places around the world today.

Weltzel: Where does the name Weltzel come from?

Today, the last name Weltzel is most common in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania, where it is the 233rd most common surname. It is also relatively plentiful in other states such as Ohio, New York, Indiana, and California. Outside of the United States, it can be found in Germany, where it originates from, as well as in Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Australia.

In Germany, the name is derived from the German words welten meaning “world” and zel, meaning “helmet” or “protection”, so the surname could be translated as “world protection” or “shield of the world”. There are several spelling variations, including Welzel, Weltzel, Weytezel, and Weltschel, all of which are variants of the same name.

Over time, the name has evolved into several distinct branches, with people of the same surname being unrelated if their surnames are a few letters different. Common variations of the name range from Weltschlager and Walzel, to Welchel and Weltslar, depending on the spelling and place of origin.

Although the name is commonly found in America today, it is believed to have originated in Germany centuries ago with one of several migrating Germanic tribes who were originally from several different parts of central Europe. As a result, it can be difficult to trace the exact history of the name or its multiple spelling variations, as they have been passed down from generation to generation.

Variations of the surname Weltzel

The surname Weltzel has many variants in spelling and on other surnames from the same origin. Generally, the variants of Weltzel include Weltz, Welt, Welz, Welts, Weltzell, Weltzle, Weltzl and Welzell.

The surname Weltzel is of German origin and derived from the Middle High German word “weltz” meaning “forest” or “wood”. The surname Weltzel likely originated as a geographical or topographical name for someone who lived near a forest or wooded area. It may also have been a nickname for someone who was wild or untamed.

Variations of Weltzel/Weltz can be found in other Germanic surnames such as Woltz, Welte, Weltheimer, Weltling, Weltefoerder, Velte, Welti, Weltner, Weltin and Welter. These surnames are also of German origin, and likely derived from the Middle High German term “weltz” as well.

The Weltzel surname can also be found in other European languages. In Dutch, the name is spelled “Welts” or “Weltz”; in Scandinavian languages it is spelled “Velts”; and in Czech and Slovak languages it is spelled “Veltz”. In all cases, the origination and meaning is typically the same.

In conclusion, the surname Weltzel can be found in many English spellings, other Germanic surnames and some European language variations. All of these surnames are ultimately derived from the Middle High German word “weltz” meaning “forest” or “wood”, and likely refer to someone who originally lived near a woods or forest.

Famous people with the name Weltzel

• Dina Weltzel: Dina Weltzel served as a fencer for the United States in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney.
• Tyler Weltzel: Tyler Weltzel is an American film producer known for his work on the thriller films “American Cloud” and “Afolabi’s Journey.”
• Robert Weltzel: Robert Weltzel is a renowned American desert botanist and senior lecturer at Arizona State University.
• Gary Weltzel: Gary Weltzel is a famed American astrophysicist and former director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
• Jack Weltzel: Jack Weltzel was an American television news anchor based in Houston, Texas.
• Liz Weltzel: Liz Weltzel is an American author best known for her book “American Gothic: A Life of America's Most Famous Painting,” which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1975.
• Katie Weltzel: Katie Weltzel is an American athlete, who competed in the synchronized swimming team in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney.
• Jon Weltzel: Jon Weltzel is a former United States Army major general.
• Marc Weltzel: Marc Weltzel is an American television writer and director, best known for his work on the show True Blood.
• Walter Weltzel: Walter Weltzel is an American actor who has appeared in a number of films and television shows, including “The War of the Roses” and “Murder, She Wrote.”

Other surnames

Weltz