Surname Leitzel - Meaning and Origin
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Leitzel: What does the surname Leitzel mean?
The last name Leitzel is an occupational surname of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German word “liczel,” which translates to “he who washes linen or leather.” This name likely referred to someone who was involved with the production of leather or fabrics, or a business that traded or sold them. From the beginning, Leitzel may have also been associated with artistry and craftsmanship, as these objects were typically decorated with intricate patterns and designs.
This name is associated with the area of Germany where the production of these goods originated, which includes the Northern Franconia region of Bavaria. The ancient city of Nuremberg has always been an important center for trading and manufacturing. It is possible that the origin of this name comes from a known and established artisan family at the time in this region.
Throughout the centuries, many people have adopted Leitzel into their last name as they moved throughout Europe and began new lives in other countries. It is still a popular surname in many countries today, including Germany, the United States, France, Portugal, and Switzerland. It can also be found in Greece, Russia, and across Latin America.
The name Leitzel is believed to have evolved from the time of medieval Germany to today, and can represent hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship. It still stands to be a unique and proud last name, wherever it is found.
Order DNA origin analysisLeitzel: Where does the name Leitzel come from?
The surname Leitzel appears to be most commonly found today in the United States and is particularly concentrated in Pennsylvania. According to the US Census in 2019, there were over 870 people with the last name Leitzel in the US, with around 540 of them living in Pennsylvania.
The origin of this surname is uncertain, but it is believed to be of German and possibly Dutch origin. It is possible that the surname first appeared in the mid-17th century as German and Dutch immigrants began to settle in Pennsylvania. During this period, many immigrants changed their last name to a more anglicized version in order to make it easier to integrate with the local population.
Today, the Leitzel surname is still used by many American families that trace their ancestry back to the German/Dutch immigrants who first arrived in the US in the 1600s. Notably, many of these families have kept the original spelling of the surname.
Outside of the US, the surname Leitzel has also been recorded in England, Canada, Ireland and Australia. However, the spelling has often changed slightly, with variations such as Leitchel and Litsel also being used in different countries.
Variations of the surname Leitzel
The surname Leitzel has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Layte, Leutzel, Leitze, Leitzell, Lietzell, Leutzelman, and Layzel. The spelling variations include Laitsel, Leytezel, Leytzel, Leizele, Laiutezell, Laizetzel, Litzell, Lietzke, and Laizetsel.
Surnames of the same origin can be found in Austria, Germany, Prussia, and Poland. Examples include Liuteil, Letsel, Litzelman, Lietzel, Lutzl, Lutzllman, and Laitzlin.
Variants of the surname Leitzel can also be found in the United States and Canada. Americanized versions include Lettzel, Litell, Letzel, Litsel, and Letzell. Canadianized versions include Laytel, Layzell, Leutsel, Leitczell, Lietzell, and Leitzal.
The surname has also appeared in various records and documents. Leitzels can be found in ship passenger lists, military records, church registers, land deeds, death records, and other sources. It is a somewhat uncommon surname, and it is likely to be found in primarily German-speaking areas.
Famous people with the name Leitzel
- Alfredo Leitzel: Former Venezuelan Olympic and World Record holding swimmer
- Elvin Leitzel: American professional wrestler who competed in the 1950s and '60s
- Erika Leitzel: Swedish synchronized swimmer who won 21 international medals
- John Leitzel: American football coach who held head coaching positions in the NFL, NCAA, and AFL
- Marlowe Leitzel: American professional wrestler who is part of the Leitzel wrestling dynasty
- May Leitzel: American Olympic figure skater who competed in the 1932 Winter Olympics
- Robert Leitzel: American professional wrestler who competed in the 1980s and '90s
- Rudy Leitzel: Former short track speed skater who competed in the 1924 and 1928 Winter Olympics
- ZaSu Pitts Leitzel: American actress from the silent era of Hollywood