Surname Öchsel - Meaning and Origin
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Öchsel: What does the surname Öchsel mean?
The last name Öchsel is derived from the German term Öchs, which in turn comes from the Latin term occellus, meaning "little eye" or "small eye". This surname is primarily found in Austria and Germany, and is believed to have originated from the Middle Ages in one of the most significant and powerful German aristocratic families, the Öchsel. This family was based in the city of Nurnberg and had roots throughout Switzerland, Bavaria, and Austria.
The family crest for the Öchsel family symbolizes the small eye that the name originates from; it features an open eye surrounded by seven stars. This crest is believed to have been created by the family in the late 15th century, and it is still used by many members today.
When translated into English, the name Öchsel can be interpreted as "watchful," "alert," or even "insightful." This is likely because the small eye on the crest symbolizes a need to remain vigilant and observant. It could also be interpreted as an indication that members of the Öchsel family are able to offer unique insight and perspective when analyzing a situation.
The surname Öchsel is not a common one, but it continues to be used by select families throughout Germany and Austria. It carries with it a symbol of watchfulness and insight which members of the family have held for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisÖchsel: Where does the name Öchsel come from?
The last name Öchsel is a German name found in the Alpine region of Germany and some countries of central Europe such as Austria, Switzerland, and Czech Republic. It is likely derived from the Middle High German word "öchse", which means ox, and later developed a diminutive suffix affiliate with it. Historically, the name was associated with the occupation of raising and selling oxen, as well as Hogan and Heimat researchers have found it being used in historical documents in the region dating back to the 16th century.
Today, Öchsel is a very commonname in the region, especially in the German states of Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein. In fact, it is the 27th most common surname in Schleswig-Holstein and the 77th most common surname in Bavaria. It is likely to be found in other parts of Germany as well, as many families from the region emigrated to cities for work during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Outside of Germany, it is also commonly found in many countries in Central Europe such as Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Luxembourg. In Austria, for example, it is the 64th most common surname. It is also found in countries that had German colonies, such as Namibia and what is now Poland, as well as in North America and parts of South America with predominantly German immigration.
Overall, the last name Öchsel is a common name today that is most associated with the German-speaking Alpine region. The name is found around the world, tends to be particularly popular in Central European countries, and has a very old history in the region that goes back centuries.
Variations of the surname Öchsel
The surname Öchsel is an old Germanic family name believed to have originated in the Saxon region of what is now central Germany. It is recorded back at least as far as the 14th century in Silesia. Over the centuries, the spelling of the surname has changed in different parts of Europe, resulting in localised variants.
In Germany, it is mainly spelled as Öchsel (rhymes with "Jesel"), but variations can be found such as Oechsel, Uechsel, Oehsel, Uehsel, Oechsler, Oechslen, Uechsler and Uechslen. In Austria the variations Oechel and Oecheln are common.
In the United States, the surname is now mainly found as Usel or Ussel, but may also be found as Osel, Usselman, Usselmann, Uselman, Uselmann, Uchel or Ucheln. In other parts of Europe, such as Switzerland, the Netherlands and France, the name can be found as Uesle (in Switzerland), Ueselman, Ueselmann (in the Netherlands) and Uesli (in France) or Usle (also in France).
In addition to these spelling variants, the name may be used as a prefix for other surnames, creating a double-barreled surname such as Oechsel-von-Berg or Usel-von-Eck. It may also be combined with other family names such as Oechsel-Seiff.
Finally, the surname may have been altered over the years to form other surnames such as Uschel, Oechel, Uchel and Ossel.
Famous people with the name Öchsel
- Uwe Öchsel: painter and illustrator from Germany
- Matthias Öchsel: German double bassist
- Johannes Öchsel: former East German fencer
- Bernd Öchsel: German painter and sculptor
- Joachim Öchsel: contemporary German sculptor
- Hans-Joseph Öchsel: German businessman
- Holger Öchsel: German author
- Karstein Öchsel: German professor of international law
- Benjamin Öchsel: German stuntman
- Hermann Öchsel: German politician