Surname Erthel - Meaning and Origin
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Erthel: What does the surname Erthel mean?
The last name Erthel can be traced back to the ancient Greek-Germanic language from which it derives. It is derived from the Old German phrase ‘erthol’, which translates to ‘Free People’. A surname derived from this phrase is likely to have been used to signify a family’s freedom, rank and power, and to communicate a sense of ancestry and lineage. It is thought that the Erthels were an influential family from the Middle Ages.
The family’s history dates back to 867 where it is mentioned in an old Germanic text, signifying their status as a powerful family from this time. Records also suggest that the Erthels were instrumental in the Battle of Lechfeld in 955, a victory over the invading Magyars. These records further cement the Erthels’ reputation as powerful, influential and respected members of their society.
Later, Erthels were found in Central Europe, with branches of the family throughout Germany and France. The Erthels eventually established a reputation in both countries as prosperous landowners, craftsmen and merchants.
Today, the Erthels are remembered as a highly distinguished family with a long and noble lineage. The Erthels are a group of people linked by a common past and a strong sense of pride in their heritage. They were able to establish a powerful name in the past and have remained influential and respected throughout the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisErthel: Where does the name Erthel come from?
The last name Erthel is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. It is an old family name with roots extending to the forests of southwestern Germany more than five centuries ago. The name is thought to have come from a German term for someone who lived near a great elm, known as the "Erth", from which the name was derived.
Today, Erthal is primarily found in three regions: Bavaria in southern Germany, Vienna and its environs in Austria, and the province of Pomerania in north-central Germany.
In Bavaria, Erthel is mostly present in the rural districts of Upper Franconia, Lower Bavaria, and Upper Palatinate. In Vienna, Erthal appears in the districts of Donaustadt and Floridsdorf. It is most concentrated in the latter district, where its popularity is shared with another German surname, Eiden. In Pomerania, the name is scattered along the coast.
Erthel is still a fairly common name in each of these regions. According to a study of surname distribution across Germany published in 2005, Erthel was the 513th most popular name overall, with over 1,500 individuals recorded carrying the name. It was especially popular in certain rural districts, where it ranked as the 58th most popular name in Upper Franconia and the 67th most popular name in Lower Bavaria.
Overall, the last name Erthel continues to be widely used throughout certain parts of Europe, especially in its native regions of Germany and Austria.
Variations of the surname Erthel
The variant spellings of the surname Erthel vary slightly but all can be traced to the same Germanic origin. Common variants of the spelling include Ertel, Hertel, Hertl, and Herttle. Other variations such as Artel and Artl are also seen, the latter often indicating that the family hails from the Rhineland.
Additionally, Erthel is sometimes used as a given name and has been used in this capacity by members of various Jewish communities. Some variant surnames associated with Erthel include earSter, earStor, Arstor, Arster, Erstor, Erster, Raster, Rister, and Ristor.
According to the Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, the surname Erthel is derived from the Germanic name Hertheo or Herthe. It was likely first created during the medieval period as a form of patronymic surnaming, derived from the personal names of a father or other ancestor.
Today, the surname Erthel is found mainly in Germany, Austria, and eastern parts of France. There are also smaller numbers of families who bear the name living in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as other areas with high Germanic populations. Members of this family typically have occupations such as farmers, craftsmen, mercenary soldiers, and merchants.
Famous people with the name Erthel
- Elizabeth Erthel: Canadian physician and researcher; major contributor to the development of the Asthma Action Plan
- Adam Erthel: former professional soccer player, known for his 13-year career in the MLS
- Carl Erthel: German musician and composer, known for his 1910 opera “The Song of the Sword”
- Lydie Erthel: French painter and engraver, renowned for her landscapes, still lifes, and portraits
- Eric Erthel: American politician, served as the mayor of Oberlin, Ohio from 1976 to 1988
- James Erthel: Canadian politician, Premier of New Brunswick from 1891 to 1893
- Ola Erthel: Swedish actress, known for her appearances in Swedish feature films from the 1940s to the 1960s
- Anna Erthel: German figure skater, competed in the 1964 and 1968 Winter Olympics
- Charles Erthel: Swiss inventor and architect, one of the inventors of the modern steam engine
- Eva Erthel: Hungarian writer and journalist, author of the autobiographical novel “A Lost Childhood”