Surname Vetterl - Meaning and Origin
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Vetterl: What does the surname Vetterl mean?
The last name Vetterl is derived from the Germanic personal name "Vidar" or "Vitar", and is a somewhat rare surname. It is believed to have originated in Austria, based on name distribution records from the 19th century. The root of the name can take various meanings, most commonly thought to be "district warrior" or "strong fighter".
The Germanic origins of the name are quite clear from its use as a personal name, as evidenced by its appearance in various ancient texts, such as the 'Vita Marino', written around the 8th century CE. This text mentions Vidar (Vitar) as a fierce Norse god of battle.
The name first appears in its current form in the records of Sankt Peter am Kammersberg in Western Austria, in the mid-15th century. It is believed that the surname grew in popularity throughout the region, with many people taking it up as their own and for many generations afterwards. This is evidenced by its presence throughout the region today, with many people of the name living in both Austria and Germany.
Avid genealogy and family historians may further wish to research the name to trace the specific geographical origins, as well as to explore the further meanings behind its etymological roots. In any case, it is clear that the name Vetterl continues to represent a proud and noble history, cemented in strength, perseverance, and ferocity.
Order DNA origin analysisVetterl: Where does the name Vetterl come from?
The last name Vetterl is most commonly found in Slovenia and surrounding areas such as Austria and Germany. Vetterl is a Germanic surname and is believed to have originated in Austria in the 1300s. It is believed to have been a patronymic surname, derived from the medieval personal name "Vezla" which likely evolved over time to become Vetterl.
At present, there are over 500 people with the last name Vetterl living in Slovenia, and over 100 in Austria. There are also small numbers in Hungary, Croatia, Italy, and other parts of Europe. It is less common in North America, with fewer than 50 reported living in Canada and the United States.
Vetterl appears to have becomes less common in Europe since the mid-20th century, likely due to the gradual spread of variations such as Vettern, Veitl, Veatel, and Wetterl. Those variations can also be found in European countries, but are most concentrated in Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, and Croatia.
Despite its gradual decline in some countries, the last name Vetterl remains well-known and respected in many European countries. Many families have passed the surname on for generations, lending a strong sense of cultural identity to those who bear it.
Variations of the surname Vetterl
The surname Vetterl, which originates from Central Europe, has several variants in spelling and origin. These variants may include Vetterle, Vetterli, Vettering, Fettering and Vettern.
The origin of the name Vetterl traces back to the tribal name of the North Germanic people known as the Franks, which means "Spearman". The name also has a Polish variant which is spelled Veteria. It is believed that the name is derived from the phrase "Fetor", meaning "strong power, honour and strength".
In some parts of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, the surname Vetterl is a shortened form of the surname Vetterlein, which is derived from the German word "Vetter" meaning "relative, kinsman or neighbour". Other variants in spelling found in Germany are Vetters and Vetterlein, while in Switzerland the surnames Vetterli, Vetterle, Vettella and Fettling can be found.
In some cases, the surname Vetterl is used as a variant of Fettering, which is a German surname originating from the word "Fetters" meaning "feet". The surname can also be found in the United States under the spellings Fettles and Fettling.
Despite the many spellings and origin variants, the surname Vetterl traditionally refers to a person of strong character, showing honour and strength.
Famous people with the name Vetterl
- Mathilda Vetterl, artist and musician
- Annette Vetterl, German actress
- Werner Vetterl, Austrian actor
- Erich Vetterl, composer and recording artist
- Marianne Vetterl, German actress
- Louis Vetterl, Swiss actress
- Karl-Heinz Vetterl, German television producer
- Elmer Vetterl, equestrian stuntmanship performer
- Günther Vetterl, Austrian alpine skier
- Hugo Vetterl, Austrian sculptor