Surname Zecherl - Meaning and Origin
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Zecherl: What does the surname Zecherl mean?
The last name Zecherl is a Jewish surname most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe. It is thought to have first originated in the 16th century with people who lived in the village of Zecherl in Bohemia (about 35 miles south of Prague).
The word Zecherl is thought to be derived from the Greek word seker ("sickle") or sekerlik ("reaper") which were occupations related to harvesting grain. Thus, it is believed that the surname could have been an occupational or patronymic name for someone who worked as a grain reaper in the harvest fields.
One of the earliest references to the surname dates from 1674, when it is mentioned in a book of Moravian history. The book records Jews who lived in the area during the 16th century, some of whom had the name Zecherl.
Over time, the name spread throughout Central and Eastern Europe, and some of its variants, such as Sachar, Sacher, Zaker and Zechel, are still found today.
The meaning of the surname is reminiscent of the resilience and industriousness of many Jewish people who had to make a living in difficult times. A bearer of the name today will most likely be descended from someone who worked hard to create a better life for their family.
Order DNA origin analysisZecherl: Where does the name Zecherl come from?
The last name Zecherl is generally seen in parts of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and even parts of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is a common name in parts of Bavaria, Northern Austria, as well as Southern Germany. This surname tends to be concentrated further South in these areas today.
The surname originates from ancient Germanic languages, where it meant "inhabitant of the woods". It was likely given as a geographical identifier, to denote someone who lived in the forest. Over time it has become a surname commonly seen in some parts of Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
The modern spelling Zecherl has remained the same since its origin. Its variants spellings may vary, depending on the region and language spoken. In parts of Germany, it could be spelled as Zegherl, Zegerl, Zegerle, and even Zaunerl. In some regions, the name has been recorded with the "z" being replaced with an "s" due to regional dialects.
The most records of the Zecherl name can be found in the early 1700s, in areas around the Bavarian-Austrian border, when it was first recorded in official documents.
Overall, the surname Zecherl is common in parts of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and some regions of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Variations of the surname Zecherl
The surname Zecherl is a German surname meaning “one who sings” or “one who celebrates.”
Variants of the surname include Zechar, Zechherl, Zecherll, Zicherl, and Zickerl.
Spellings for the surname Zecherl vary by region and language. For example, German spellings can include Zacherl, Zachar, Zeckel, Zeckherl, and Zeckhle. In English, the spelling may be Zacher, Zachar, Zecher, or Zechar.
Surnames derived from the same origin as Zecherl are Zech, Zeck, Zechar, Zeckel, Zeckler, and Zicherl.
The surnames Zecherl, Zechar, Zeckherl, Zicherl, and Zickerl are all closely related and derived from an old German word "zecheren," which means "to sing, to celebrate, or to make merry." Each of these surnames is associated with celebration or rejoicing.
The origin of the surname Zecherl can be traced back to the early Middle Ages when it was mainly used as an occupational name for someone working in the festive entertainments industry.
Today, the surname Zecherl is still common in Germany and Austria. It has spread to other parts of Europe and to the Americas, particularly among descendants of German immigrants.
Famous people with the name Zecherl
- Rudolph Zechariah Zecherl, American politician and lawyer
- Joseph Charles Zecherl, Austrian composer
- Carl Zecherl, German mathematician and physicist
- Camilla Zecherl, German stage actress
- Joachim Zecherl, German musician
- Elisabeth Zecherl, German novelist
- Sebastian Zecherl, German actor
- Wolfgang Zecherl, German journalist and editor
- Hugo Emil Zecherl, German theologian
- Jan Zecherl, Slovak director and screenwriter