Surname Schachl - Meaning and Origin
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Schachl: What does the surname Schachl mean?
The surname Schachl is of German origin and is believed to derived from the Middle High German word “Schach”, meaning “game". In medieval times, the term game had a larger meaning slotting in to an overall meaning of “an activity performed in a leisurely fashion. The Schachl, or Schachly, surname began to appear in German records in the 13th and 14th centuries.
It’s likely the Schachl name was initially an occupational name, likely belonging to someone who manufactured gaming pieces for chess or checkers, or perhaps owned a gaming hall or company that provided gaming entertainment for people. This is one of the few examples of a German occupational name based on a game.
The surname Schachl is quite common in German-speaking countries today, and is also found in other countries as well, thanks to the worldwide emigration of German-speaking people. It is found in Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the United States, as well as in other parts of the world.
The spelling variants of the surname Schachl include Schachweger, Schachner, Schackl, Schackers, Schack and Shakle, among others.
Today, many people with the surname Schachl use the surname in an occupational sense, having dedicated their lives to working in the gaming industry, playing professional chess, or working in the fields of game development or computer programming. On the other hand, many others with the surname Schachl are not involved in any gaming related activities.
Order DNA origin analysisSchachl: Where does the name Schachl come from?
The last name Schachl is most commonly found in Austria today. It is a German-language last name that likely originated in what is now Austria before the region was split into different nation-states. It is estimated that there are more than nine thousand people with the surname Schachl living in Austria today.
The surname is also found in other countries with strong German cultural influences, such as Germany, the United States, Canada, and Brazil. However, it is most prevalent in Austria, likely owing to the country's German-speaking majority and influence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Historical records also link the Schachl surname to other places including Romania, Luxembourg, Poland, and Hungary. It is possible that the Schachl family had already moved away from their German homeland by the 18th century and that the last name's current spread is a product of the mobility of people during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The name Schachl is also believed to mean “scout” or “guardian.” This could be significant in the context of the Schachl family's history; it is possible that they were charged with some form of protection responsibility in the past.
No matter where the Schachl surname originated, it is certain that its presence has had a significant influence on the history of Austria and other parts of Europe. Today, it continues to be a common last name for many people living in Austria and beyond.
Variations of the surname Schachl
The surname Schachl is generally derived from a proper name, and can come from several different sources.
Variants of Schachl include Schach, Schaechl, Schahl, Schaal, Shachl, Shaechle, and Schoel. Many of these spellings may also be found as double names, which are just a combination of the original name and another variation, such as Schaechle-Schachl or Schahl-Schachl.
Surnames of the same origin include Schaech, Schaechle, Schlaich, Schlaht, Schlauch, Schlaucht, Schleicher, Schleich, Schleichert, Schlecht, Schlich, Schlichting, Schlicht, Schlichtman, Schlichtmacher, Schlichtiger, Schlichtman, Schlig, Schloeth, Schlosz, Schlotzhauer, Schlotz, Schlotman and Schmahl.
In some cases, the surname Schachl may also have a German spelling or origin. These surnames include Schack, Sack, Sach, Schake, Schank, Schön, Schöne, Schöpf, Schörg, Schuch, Schudt, Schuecker, Schuh, and Schwaiger.
Although it is thought that the surname Schachl began in Germany, it may be found in other countries around the world, as it is quite common. In the United States, the surname can be found in nearly all states, primarily in large cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. It can also be found throughout Canada, Australia, and other European countries.
Famous people with the name Schachl
- Marcus Schachl: Austrian actor and model
- Michael Schachl: Austrian figure skater
- Max Schachl: Austrian luge athlete
- Eyal Schachl: Israeli journalist and editor
- Julius Schachl: Austrian cross-country skier
- Herwig Schachl: Austrian alpine skier
- Caroline Schachl: Austrian Paralympic athlete
- Konrad Schachl: Austrian Paralympic athlete
- Josef Schachl: Austrian footballer
- Tjorven Schachl: Austrian geek comedian