Surname Fritschel - Meaning and Origin
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Fritschel: What does the surname Fritschel mean?
The last name Fritschel is of German origin and is derived from a personal name made of two Germanic elements. The first part, “Frit”, is derived from Frithu, meaning “peace”, while the second part, “schel”, is derived from Schela, meaning “helmet” or “protection”. Meaning that when combined, the name Fritschel translates to “protector of peace”.
Fritschel was likely a nickname or one of many pet forms associated with the Frit- root surname, which was common in medieval Germany. It was previously written as an occupational name, denoting someone who made or sold helmets. It could also be an ethnic surname, referring to people once ruled by the Franks.
The earliest recorded mention of Fritschel appears in the thirteenth century in Silesia. In the centuries since then it has been used as a last name by many both in and outside of Germany.
Overall, the Fritschel surname is a reflection of its German roots. It takes its name from the two elements that make it up, Frithu and Schela, to denote “protector of peace”. It may have started off as an occupational surname, and even seen instances of it being used as an ethnic surname, but it has since come to hold a more universal meaning of protection, and is now used as a last name all across the world.
Order DNA origin analysisFritschel: Where does the name Fritschel come from?
The surname Fritschel is a German Jewish surname first found in the old German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Fritschel families migrated to parts of the United States including Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio in the early 19th century.
Fritschel is now primarily found in the eastern United States. It is most common in Pennsylvania and New York. In Pennsylvania, small numbers of Fritschel families can be found in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and counties including Montgomery, York, Luzerne, and Lackawanna. In New York, Fritschel families often lived in cities and towns on the Hudson River and on Long Island. Small numbers also lived in upstate New York around Syracuse and Rochester.
Fritschel is rarely found in other states, though it has been noted in Ohio and California. There has also been small numbers recorded in France, mainly in the Alsace region, which borders Germany.
Though it is not as common as other surnames, the last name Fritschel is still around and well recorded in the United States census records. The Fritschel name is a reminder of the many immigrants who left Germany in search of freedom and a better life.
Variations of the surname Fritschel
The surname Fritschel is a Germanic topographical name for someone who lived near a ditch, moat, stream or shoreline, derived from the Middle High German word fritschel, fridschel or fridschel. This surname has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Variants of the surname Fritschel include: Fridschel, Fritsch, Fritsche, Fridsche, Fritschi, Fritschy, Frietzsche, Fritschelmann, Fritschelman, Fritzel, Fritze, Frickel, Fritzelmann, Fricke, Fritschlin, Frit promoter, Fritzsche, Fritsch-Auer, Fritschle, Fritshker, Fritscher, Fritchen, and Fritshi.
In earlier times, the spelling of names often changed as a result of oral translation. Therefore, it is common to see surnames spelled differently from the original source. Other spellings include: Fritgel, Frits, Fritsay, Fritsel, Fritser, Fritsh, Fridch, Fridt, Frietz, Fritsch, Fritt, Fritss, Fritsz, Fritzel, Frichel, Frichele, Frites, Fritse, Fritzele, Fritzhy, Fritch, Fritschmann, Fritschelman, Fritschlin, and Fritshuttel.
There are also foreign equivalents of this surname, such as the Italian “Frittelli” or the French “Fricot.”
In conclusion, the surname Fritschel has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These variations include alternate spellings, as well as foreign equivalents of the surname.
Famous people with the name Fritschel
- Mandy Fritschel: Former NASCAR Sprint cup driver
- Arthur Fritschel: American theatre organist
- Henrick Fritschel: President of the International Association of Theatre Organists and active theatre organist
- Karl Fritschel: German playwrighter and lyricist
- Paul Fritschel: American linguist and professor
- Robert Fritschel: Classical composer
- Steve Fritschel: Investment banker and philanthropist
- Kate Fritschel: Former softball coach and player
- John Fritschel: Aviator and planesman
- Emil Fritschel: Former professional footballer