Surname Frentzel - Meaning and Origin
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Frentzel: What does the surname Frentzel mean?
The name Frentzel is German in origin and derives from the German pre 7th century word 'vrent', meaning the minority or lesser part. The name Frentzel can refer a to an elongated meadow, which is perhaps where the surname originated from. As a surname, Frentzel principally emerged in the state of Bavaria, which is situated in the south-east of modern-day Germany.
The first Frentzel to be written in the historical records was Wilhelm Frentzel in 1396 who was born in Westfalen, Germany. Throughout the years there have been numerous variations of the name Frentzel including Frentz, Frentzeln, Frentzke and Frentzelman.
The Frentzel family history can be traced in documents, including a baptismal record of a Johann Frentzel in 1486, in Bavaria. They settled in the Germanic principalities and also in East and West Prussia.
The Frentzels have become well-known for their contributions to the arts, science and education. They are also known for being amongst the earliest settlers in the United States, first settling in Pennsylvania, then migrating south to Ohio, Indiana and even to Texas.
Today, the Frentzel surname continues to survive and thrive in many different places around the world. People who have the Frentzel surname can be proud to know that they stem from a long and rich history.
Order DNA origin analysisFrentzel: Where does the name Frentzel come from?
The last name Frentzel is most commonly found in Germany, in particular among the communities living in the German states of Saxony and Thuringia. It is believed to have originated in the Southwest German region which dates back to the 11th century. The Frentzel family name originated alongside other German names, such as Freud, Moss, Brandt, and Reese.
Today, the Frentzel surname is still primarily associated with German ancestry and is mainly found throughout the European mainland. For instance, it is still present in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Finland, and France. The U.S., particularly Pennsylvania and states along the East Coast, also has settlements with this last name, which can be traced back to immigrants from Germany.
Although its presence in other European countries continues to be relatively strong, the Frentzel name has started to emerge in other parts of the world due to global migration. For instance, it has become present in Latin American countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, as well as in other parts of Asia and Australia.
The Frentzel name may have an ancestral meaning, such as from the German word, “frenz”, which means “protection” or “shield”. Thus, the last name can suggest protection and family unity.
Variations of the surname Frentzel
The surname Frentzel is of German origin, and has numerous spellings and variants associated with it. Most common are Frentz, Frentzke, Frentzel, Frentzle, Frentzen, Frentzell, Frentzels, Frentzinger, and Frentzl.
The spelling Frentz is the most popular variant, and is particularly common in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It is believed to have come from the Low-German form of the surname Freentz or Frentz. In the 18th century, many German settlers migrated to Brazil, bringing the surname with them.
The name Frentzke is quite popular in Germany as well. In the town of Siegersdorf in Hanover, many families with the surname Frentzke owned a brewery during the 19th century. The Donevan, Duniven, Dunvina and Dunavin variants of the surname are additionally found amongst the descendants of some German-American families who immigrated to the United States during the 19th century.
The other common variants, such as Frentzel, Frentzen, Frentzell, or Frentzl, are all compound names composed of a prefix word and the root words “Frent” or “Frentz”. The prefix usually translates to “Fron”, meaning “border” or “edge”. The alternative, less common variants of Frentzel, such as Frentzingen in Bavaria, Frentzers or Frentz in the German Rhineland, or Frentzarde, are all believed to have the same origin.
Overall, the meaning of the surname Frentzel is most closely associated with its German roots meaning a person living near a border or edge. Variants of the surname developed over centuries often featuring different spellings depending on the region of origin.
Famous people with the name Frentzel
- Jill Frentzel-Bourke: Journalist based in Washington DC.
- Corinne Frentzel-Beyme: German fashion designer.
- Reinhold Frentzel: German chemist and inventor.
- Kirsten Frentzel-Umbreit: Painter, printmaker and sculptor based in Sweden.
- Frido Frentzel: German ice hockey player.
- Kurt Frentzel: German pioneer aviator.
- Ralf Frentzel: German scientist and taxonomist.
- Hermine Frentzel-De Rus: Austrian pianist and amateur composer.
- Ewald Frentzel: German sculptor.
- Gerry Frentzel: Australian jockey.
- Gerhart Frentzel: German chemist and philosopher.
- Frank Frentzel: American film director, screenwriter, and producer.
- Adalbert Frentzel: Czech sculptor and painter.
- Oskar Frentzel: German footballer.
- Anitta Frentzel-Scharrenberg: German cinematographer and camera operator.
- Vittoriana Frentzel-Rudki: Italian cello player.
- Josef Frentzel: Swiss doctor and politician.
- Grete Frentzel: Austrian swimmer.
- Marcin Frentzel: Polish illustrator and visual artist.
- David Frentzel: American actor, writer, and director.