Surname Hentzel - Meaning and Origin
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Hentzel: What does the surname Hentzel mean?
The last name Hentzel is an old German surname that traces back to a person from the highly esteemed and renowned German Sleipnir horse race. Many believe the name originates from the Old High German word "henti" which means "swift" or "fast". This suggests a connection to the Sleipnir race, in which the fastest horse typically won.
The first known occurrence of the name Hentzel is from the 15th century, which is when the Sleipnir horse race had become a popular sport in Germany. The name can also be found in records from the medieval era in Germany, which suggests that the name predates the 15th century.
The generic German name Hentzel is also found in various forms in Austria, the Netherlands, and many other European countries. This suggests that the name could have emerged from various ancestors from different countries who brought the name with them, a common practice in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Today, the Hentzel name is still found in Germany and other European countries, as well as the United States. Based on its origin as an old German surname, it can suggest a sense of nobility and a connection to the Sleipnir horse race. It can also represent a long family history that spans several centuries, with stories and traditions that are passed down through the generations.
Order DNA origin analysisHentzel: Where does the name Hentzel come from?
The last name Hentzel is most common in the United States today, concentrated mostly in Pennsylvania and Shartlesville, Pennsylvania in particular. In fact, more than 1 in every 4,000 people has the last name Hentzel in the U.S., according to the 2000 census. It is also quite popular in surrounding areas of Pennsylvania and the Midwest, specifically Ohio. Hentzel is also popular in parts of Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria.
The origin of the last name Hentzel is German, and it is derived from the Middle German phrase “henczel,” which translates to “henchman” or “servant.” This implies that the last name was first assigned to individuals who held positions of servitude.
The Hentzel family is believed to have descended from the German-based Hunter and Fischer Clan, which can be dated back to the 10th century. This means that the last name has been around for centuries and has spread to the United States, Germany, and Austria.
Tracing the last name Hentzel further back in time could reveal more details about its origin, including which original European countries the Hentzel surname was most common in hundreds of years ago.
Variations of the surname Hentzel
The surname Hentzel is of German origin, and is derived from the name Endzelin. Endzelin was a surname originating from the Middle High German word "entecelin", referring to a village or settlement. Over time, the surname evolved in a variety of spellings, including Hentzel, Henzel, Henckel, Hentzell, and Hensl.
Variants of Hentzel include Hintzel, Heintzel, Hintzell, Heintzell, Heintzel, Hanckel, Hänckel, and even Hensle. Another variation is Hanzell, which originates from Hentzel added with the Middle High German personal ending -in. Some spellings used in different countries include Heintzell in Germany, Heinszell in Austria, and Häntzel in Switzerland.
Surnames derived from Hentzel include Hansing, Händle, Hentzell, Henckel, Hentzler, Hentschel, Hensle, Hansel, Hanselman, and Hantz. Many of these are derivatives of the same Middle High German root as the original surname Hentzel.
The precise origin of the surname Hentzel is uncertain. However, it is clear that the surname has changed and evolved throughout the centuries, leading to a large diverse range of spelling variations and closely related surnames.
Famous people with the name Hentzel
- Melanie Hentzel: a German actress, singer, and TV presenter
- Carsten Hentzel: a former German footballer
- David Hentzel: an American politician from Wisconsin
- Virginia Hentzel: a composer and professor of music
- Hubert Hentzel: a German soldier in World War I
- Sarah Hentzel: a Broadway performer
- Halina Hentzel: a Polish child actress
- Hugo Hentzel: an American oilman and philanthropist
- Ilse Hentzel: a German opera singer
- Brandi Hentzel: an American model