Surname Gensel - Meaning and Origin

Gensel: What does the surname Gensel mean?

The last name Gensel is a German name that has its origins in the Latin words “gens” and “sel”. The Latin word “gens” refers to a family clan or race, while the Latin word “sel” is a regional ending, used to identify where the family originated from. Combining these two words, the last name Gensel implies that the family may have originated as a clan from a particular region.

The last name Gensel is mainly found in Germany and the Netherlands, but there are also people with this surname in other parts of the world with German ancestry.

As far as the meaning of the surname is concerned, it is derived from an occupational name and originally referred to someone who was a tax collector, or worked with money, such as a banker. This is likely to have come from an awareness of the etymology of the words “gens” and “sel” which referred to a clan or tribe collecting money or goods as a form of taxation.

Over time the meaning of the name changed slightly, as is usual with surnames, and it gradually began to refer to an ‘old-style’ family, a well-established household with deep roots in their community. This is the meaning that is most commonly associated with the surname, although the two meanings have a subtle link.

The last name Gensel is still in use today, and anyone with the surname is likely to have descended from a well-established family, with a long-standing place in their community.

Gensel: Where does the name Gensel come from?

The last name Gensel is generally believed to have originated within Germany and doesn’t have one clearly identified geographic origin. It is common in many parts of Europe, especially in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Many people with the surname Gensel have roots in the southwestern region of Germany, particularly in the areas of Wuerttemberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, and Hessen. It is also quite common in Alsace, France, which borders southwestern Germany. It is believed that the surname Gensel began as the German name Känsler, which was eventually shortened to Gensel over the years.

Outside of Europe, the surname Gensel can be found in the United States and Canada, particularly in Pennsylvania, where many German immigrants first settled. In the United States, the highest concentration of Gensel's are found in the Midwest and Northeast, while there are some scattered individuals living in the South and West. In Canada, the name is most common in Ontario, where many German immigrants also first settled.

In many parts of the world, the surname Gensel is likely to be a variant of Känsler or Kensel, surnames also found in Germany. In the United States, Gensel may also be a variation on the spelling of names such as Ginalski or Gensler.

Variations of the surname Gensel

The surname Gensel is an anglicised variation of the German family name Genschel, which was derived from a location. It is believed to have originated from a place name Genschel near Leipzig in 1312, which suggests that the surname originates from Saxony. The German spelling of the surname is either Genschel or Genschlow.

Variants of the surname Gensel can also be found in different countries. In the United States, the alternate spellings of Genieckel, Genschow, Genselle, Genslick, Genslak, Gensle, Genslow, Gensler and Genslie are all encountered. In the UK, some of the alternate spellings and variants of Gensel include Genecl, Gencill, Genslic and Genslee.

In England, other spellings and names related to the Gensel surname include Gendall and Gindle. In some cases, the spelling may have been modified throughout the years, resulting in variants like Gendell, Gandal and Gindel.

The surname Gensel is also common in other countries, such as Austria and Switzerland. In the French-speaking countries of Europe, variations of the original Gensel surname include Genschle, Gensele, Gensschell and Gensckell. In Russia, the surname is sometimes transliterated as Gentschl or Gentsyl, while in Poland it is also found as Gensial.

The variations and surnames related to Gensel are vast, all originating from a common source and reflecting the progression of the family’s history. In all, there are more than two dozen spellings and surnames related to Gensel.

Famous people with the name Gensel

• Mary Gensel: Winner of the 2017 US Open competition in Para-Equestrian Dressage.
• Greg Gensel: American rock musician, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of Tonic.
• Michael Gensel: Former Major League Baseball player, who is currently coaching for the Atlanta Braves.
• David Gensel: Austrian Opera Singer, member of the Vienna State Opera.
• Sharon Gensel: British actress, best known for her roles in some of the Harry Potter films.
• André Gensel: Belgian composer, notable works include songs for the Julia Engelmann songbook.
• Gavin Gensel: Australian Rugby player, currently playing for Norths in the Shute Shield.
• Risa Gensel: American television producer, most known for creating the Netflix show Flaked.
• Aaron Gensel: English Footballer, formerly of Arsenal Football Club.
• Ray Gensel: American Novelist, author of the bestselling book The Road Unraveled.

Other surnames

GenseleinGenserGensert