Surname Finzel - Meaning and Origin

Finzel: What does the surname Finzel mean?

Finzel is a German surname which originated from a geographical area near Prague in what is now the Czech Republic. The name is derived from the German word 'Fink' which refers to a spruce or fir tree, psychologically associated with strength and stability. Over time, the term was used as a nickname for someone who was strong or reliable, and was eventually adopted as a surname.

The Finzel surname is associated with a sense of pride and resilience, a reflection of the strong-willed and tenacious spirit of its original bearers. Nowadays, Finzel is widespread among many different nations, most notably those with an advanced sense of national identity and a strong ties to the Central European origin.

Despite its long history, the Finzel surname remains mysterious and enigmatic. There exists, however, several families who proudly carry on the Finzel name. In modern times, the Finzel surname serves as a reminder of traditional values, honor and commitment. It is a link to the past, and a source of pride and distinction.

Finzel: Where does the name Finzel come from?

The last name Finzel is most common in the United States and Germany. The U.S. states with the highest concentration of Finzels include Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. In Pennsylvania alone, there are over 2,500 people who hold the Finzel surname. Germany currently has over 10,000 individuals with the Finzel last name.

The origin of this name dates back to the Bannwaren region of Germany. It derived from the Middle High German word vinzil or finzel, which means a small narrow strip of land. This surname was most likely an occupational name, referring to a person who owned or worked on a thin strip of land.

In America, the Finzel surname is common in the mid-Atlantic region, particularly in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. It is also found in Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois. According to the 1940 census, there were about 4,000 people with the Finzel surname across the United States.

Today, the Finzel surname is still common in America and Germany. It is found in small towns and major cities across these two countries, continuing to be an integral part of their respective cultures.

Variations of the surname Finzel

The surname Finzel is derived from a German word with a few variant forms, including Fincel, Fincelle, Fincell, and Finzell. All these names likely have the same roots, which may be derived from the word “Finch,” which refers to a type of small, forest bird.

In Germany, the name is spelled "...finzel", which also has various spellings of "...finckel" and "...finckelman". The name can also be found as Finke and Finn. In addition to the German variations, this name is found in other countries, such as Austria, as “Fönckel", and in France as “Fenchel”.

The surname is also used in United States, Canada, England and Scotland, including the spelling Finsil, Finseal, Finsilman, Finzell, Finckels, Finckelson, Fincks, Fencsil, or Finsle.

In general, this surname is not common in many countries. It has been suggested that those who bear the name have ties with a specific region in Europe. This name may refer to people who were originally from East Germany or Austria who later relocated to other parts of Europe or beyond, carrying the name with them .

Overall, the surname Finzel can have multiple spellings and is found in various countries, though its origin is up for debate. Many of the other spelling variants have their own unique variations, as well, and all those bearing the same surname likely share some common roots.

Famous people with the name Finzel

• Benjamen Finzel: Benjamen Finzel is a powerlifting record holder and fitness icon known for his Instagram account, @fittobenasty.
• Heike Finzel: Heike Finzel is a German chess master, coach, and author.
• John Finzel: John Finzel was an American professional racecar driver.
• Johnathan Finzel: Johnathan Finzel is an American filmmaker and artist. His work has been featured on Showtime, NBC, and in various art galleries around the world.
• Larry Finzel: Larry Finzel is a former professional American football player who played defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Michael Finzel: Michael Finzel is an American urbex photographer. His work captures abandoned places in unique and often surreal ways.
• C. F. Finzel: C.F. Finzel was a prominent 19th-century businessman and banker in Baltimore, Maryland.
• Captain Edward Finzel: Captain Edward Finzel was an American soldier who fought at the battles of Trenton and Princeton during the American Revolution.
• Gordon W. Finzel: Gordon W. Finzel was an American physical anthropologist and author of several books on the history of modern human evolution.
• Leslie Finzel: Leslie Finzel is an American singer-songwriter who has released several albums and performed in musicals across the country.

Other surnames

Finzelberg