Surname Wendels - Meaning and Origin
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Wendels: What does the surname Wendels mean?
The last name Wendels is of German origin, stemming from the root word wenden, which means to turn or to wander. This surname was likely then given to people who were wanderers or people who journeyed frequently from one place to another. In some instances, this surname can be linked to those of noble descent who held a hereditary title.
This surname was predominant throughout Germany in medieval times and is still seen in some German-speaking countries today. In present day, the surname can be found all over the world as many German immigrants have traveled to other countries and passed the surname on to their descendants.
The etymology of the name suggests that those who bear it may have a strong wanderlust, as the original meaning of the name alludes to. Furthermore, due to the name's noble connections, Wendels may carry with it a sense of reverence and a long lineage and standing within its particular family lines.
Order DNA origin analysisWendels: Where does the name Wendels come from?
The Wendels surname is originally of German origin and is found in countries around the world. In Germany, Wendels is a rather common surname, with the 227th most popular surname (out of a total of 820,000 surnames) throughout the country. It is also fairly common in Ireland, with high concentrations in counties around Dublin such as Kildare and Wicklow.
Other countries with significant numbers of Wendels include the United States and Canada. In the United States, the surname is found in high numbers in Minnesota, California, Wisconsin and Texas. In Canada, the surname is most commonly seen in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
Wendels can also be found in smaller numbers in other countries such as Australia, England, France, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. The surname is also present in other countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
Overall, the Wendels surname is fairly widespread throughout the world, which is likely due to colonial and emigration patterns of those of German descent from the 19th century onward.
Variations of the surname Wendels
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Wendels are Wendel, Wendla, Wendler, Wendschuch, Wendus, Wender, Wendrich, and Winderlich. Each of these names indicates a common origin, but also has incorporated various cultural influences.
Wendel is the most common variant spelling, derived from Germanic roots meaning “one who travels.” This likely originated in the Middle Ages as a way to signify a person moving from one place to another. The Wendla spelling is most commonly used in Scandinavia, where it can refer to a “one who hails from Wendland”.
Wendler is a variant spelling for the surname and is derived from the Middle High German “wendelen”, meaning “to meander.” Wendschuch is a variant that is predominantly found on the German island of Heligoland. This name is rooted in the German word “wenden”, which means “to turn around” or “to shift”.
Wendus is a variant spelling of the surname that hails mostly from German areas. This version of the name means “one from Wenden”, a region located in modern day Germany. Wender is another variant of the surname Wendels, which is derived from the Middle High German word “wenden”. This variant most frequently appears in Germany and Slovenia.
Wendrich is a variant of the surname Wendels found in Germany and Switzerland. This variant is derived from the Middle High German word “wendric”, meaning “to choose one’s own way”. Finally, Winderlich is a variant of the surname Wendels found almost exclusively in Germany and Austria. This variant is derived from the Middle High German “winderl”, meaning “a turner”.
Famous people with the name Wendels
- Harry Wendels: former Dutch professional footballer who competed with clubs in Belgium, Australia and Singapore.
- Anna Wendels: German fashion designer and film producer.
- Bernhard Wendels: German classical guitarist.
- Erich Wendels: German freestyle swimmer active in the early 1930s.
- Jack Wendels: Canadian 1910s-era racing cyclist, mostly professional.
- Trent Wendels: former American football running back in the National Football League.
- Stephen Wendels: American rower in the 1992 Olympic Games.
- Silverio Wendels: Major League Baseball player from Maubara, Timor Leste.
- Rudolf von Wendels: Catholic Bishop from Austria active in the 19th century.
- Alfred Henry Wendels: 19th century Belgian sculptor.
- Dieter Wendels: German sculptor who won awards for his works in the 1950s.
- Kurt Wendels: former East German middleweight boxer active in the 1970s.
- Harold Wendels: former American college athletic coach and director.
- David Wendels: American physicist best known for his contributions to the field of smart material technologies.
- Carlo di Württemberg-Wendels: late German nobleman.
- Julie von Wendelsheim: German member of the National Assembly, active in the early 20th century.
- Susanne von Wendelsheim: late German noblewoman and wife of Carlo di Württemberg-Wendels.