Surname Oechsli - Meaning and Origin
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Oechsli: What does the surname Oechsli mean?
The last name Oechsli is of Swiss-German origin and is derived from a well-known family that originated in Switzerland. This surname is generally believed to be derived from the Middle High German word “Ochsel,” meaning either a small barrel or wine cask, which was used for storing and carrying liquids. This suggests that the Oechsli family were likely merchants or involved in transportation of some form.
In Germany, this family name is fairly common. Those with the Oechsli surname can be found throughout many parts of Germany, including Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Bavaria, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The Oechsli family is also known for their philanthropy and charitable endeavors. A notable example of this was when the Oechsli family founded a charitable foundation a few centuries ago in Zurich, the city they call home. This foundation went on to become the largest in Switzerland and has provided essential services to individuals, families, and communities in need.
The name Oechsli means “descendant of the small barrel,” and suggests a past rooted in trade and industry. From humble beginnings to the philanthropic endeavors they are known for today, the Oechsli family has made a lasting impression on both Switzerland and Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisOechsli: Where does the name Oechsli come from?
The last name Oechsli is most commonly found in Switzerland and parts of Germany. It is believed to originate from the Swiss canton of Glarus where it first appeared in the late 13th century. In its native Switzerland, Oechsli is most predominantly found in the cantons of Glarus and Zurich, but can also be found in other parts of the country. In Germany, the name is also very common, particularly in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse.
Outside of Europe, the surname Oechsli can be found in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Many people with the last name likely arrived in the United States in the 19th century, likely from Switzerland and Germany. The name also spread to Canada in the same period, although with much less frequency than the United States. Many of these immigrants settled in areas where German communities were already present. In Australia and New Zealand, the surname is likely to be the result of more recent migration from Europe, particularly during the 20th century.
Overall, the last name Oechsli is primarily found in parts of Switzerland, Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is an interesting example of how immigration and migration across borders can move a surname around the world.
Variations of the surname Oechsli
The surname Oechsli is of German origin and is derived from a diminutive form of the personal name Oechs, originating from the Low German name Odeko or Oddeko. The variants Oeschli, Oeschly, Oeschlin, Oeschsli, Oeschsle, Oechsle, Oehchsle, Oeschle, Oesch, Oechsle, and Oeschla are all common alternate spellings.
Other surnames with similar origins are Oeckl, Ockerman, Oestreicher, Oetker, Offenstein and Opperman. Oechsli is a very rare surname, it is found in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and various other parts of Central Europe. It is also occasionally found in the United States.
The records of various immigrants from Eastern Europe to the U.S. have several different spellings of this surname including: Oechsli, Ochseli, Eschly, Oestreicher, Uexley, Oeschle, Uexl, Ocksli, Oechslin, Oschle, Oschley, Oussenkli, Ouxley, Oxley, and Wexley.
Oechsli is also a common variant of the more common German surnames Öchsli and Öschli. This variant is derived from the Middle High German words "ochsin" or "öschsin," which means "oxen." Its other variants include Ochslin, Ochsli, Ochsle, Oschlin, Oschle, Oschsli, and Oxsli.
Thus, Oechsli is one spelling of many varied surnames that stem from a common Germanic origin. It is found in various regions of Central Europe, occasionally in the United States, and is commonly spelled with various alternate spellings depending upon the location.
Famous people with the name Oechsli
- Henry Oechsli: American historian and author
- Ernst Oechsli: Swiss historian
- Paul Oechsli: German artist
- Dave Oechsli: American journalist and author
- Brian Oechsli: American historian
- Amy Oechsli: American writer and artist
- Fritz Oechsli: Swiss chemist
- Deborah Oechsli: American author
- Curt Oechsli: American actor
- Natalie Oechsli: American journalist