Surname Löchl - Meaning and Origin
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Löchl: What does the surname Löchl mean?
The last name Löchl is of German origin. It specifically comes from the regions of Upper Austria and Bavaria, where it is still most commonly found today. The name is derived from the German word "löchl", which literally translates to "hollow". This term was most likely used as a surname by people who lived near hollows or caves.
Historically, those with the Löchl surname were often associated with trade, especially between mountains and towns. The Löchl family were well-regarded merchants, often roaming from place to place, an activity known as Zünftwesen. The family would then establish a business and live in the same location, creating a well-known presence in the area.
The Löchl surname can also be seen in old German records of the region, often referring to individuals who had taken on the surname. Many of these documents refer to the Löchl as both craftsman and merchants within the region. In modern times, some family members still use the Löchl name, though it isn't as widely found as it once was.
Overall, the last name Löchl has a long and noble history, with its interesting meaning derived from the German word "löchl". From its origins in the regions of Upper Austria and Bavaria to its use by merchants and craftsman of the past, the Löchl name has been a part of the German identity for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisLöchl: Where does the name Löchl come from?
The last name Löchl is found primarily in Europe today with significant populations in Austria, Germany, and Czech Republic. Historically, the last name Löchl originated in central Europe, dating back to the Medieval era. During the Medieval period, it was primarily used as a descriptive name for people who came from places known as Löchl. Today, the highest concentration of Löchl last names can be found in the Austrian province of Upper Austria. In Upper Austria, the largest population of people with the last name can be found in the city of Linz. Other regions where Löchl last names can be found include Germany, central and southern Czech Republic, and some areas of central and eastern Poland.
In addition to Austria, other areas with significant populations of the Löchl last name include Bavaria and Saxony in Germany. A large population of Löchl last names can also be found in the Czech Republic, particularly in the capital city of Prague. Other areas where the last name can be found are in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. The majority of Czech citizens with the Löchl last name are descendants of Bohemian nobility.
The Löchl last name is also found in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the first Löchl immigrants originated from Austria and Germany, arriving in the 1800s. The largest population of the last name in the United States today is found in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. In Canada, the name is found mainly in the province of Ontario.
Overall, the Löchl last name is most common in central and eastern Europe, but is also found in small populations in the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Löchl
The surname Löchl is a German/Austrian surname originating from South Tyrol, which is in modern day Northern Italy. Its variants include Lochl, Löchel, and Loechl, as well as the spellings of Lochle, Loechel, Loechle, and Löchle.
The surname Löchl is derived from the German word 'Loch', meaning 'opening' or 'passage', as it was used to refer to the area between two hills, which were eroded out to form the 'Loch'. Thus, those with the surname Löchl were residents associated with this area.
The surname has various spellings in Austria and Germany, but all capture the same meaning. It is often associated with the diminutive form Loechel, as well as other regional variations of the surname in different countries.
In America, spellings such as Bookle, Awchill, and Zuckill have become common, likely as a result of German immigration and the subsequent changing of spellings for easier use in a new language. Similarly, some other variants are Kochl, Koechl, Klochl, and Klochle, as British variant spellings of the original German surname.
For those in South Tyrol, the original Löchl spelling is still most commonly used, but variations such as Loechel, Lochle, Loechel, and Loechle are still sometimes used. Other regional surnames of similar origin, such as Loechler and Locher, are also known.
Overall, a variety of surname styles and spellings have been used for the same origin of the surname Löchl. In more modern times, some of these variations are now becoming unified under the spelling of Löchl but the original German origins of the name are still respected and remembered.
Famous people with the name Löchl
- Thomas Löchl: Austrian contemporary artist known for exploring the balance between humanity and technology through his digitally manipulated art pieces.
- Gottlieb Löchl: Austrian botanist and zoologist from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his work on the morphology and systematics of Mollusca.
- Elisabeth Löchl: Austrian businesswoman and co-founder of Löchl Events, an event management and coordination firm.
- Brigitte Löchl: Austrian politician and Member of the European Parliament for the Austrian People's Party. She is a strong advocate for economic, social and environmental sustainability.
- Robert Löchl: Austrian photographer and professor at the Munich Academy of Arts. He is best known for his landscape and nature photography.
- Haslach Löchl: Austrian architect and sculptor. He is recognized for his unique works of glass art.
- Ingrid Löchl: Austrian ice skater who won three bronze medals in international competitions such as the European Figure Skating Championships and World Figure Skating Championships.
- Anna Löchl: Austrian writer, best known for her novels of domestic fiction. She has published a number of critically acclaimed books, including The Lace Maker and The Room with the Green Blind.
- Pia Löchl: Austrian alpine skier who competed in several European Ski Championships.
- Johanna Löchl: Austrian singer and songwriter, best known for her smooth jazz and soul music.