Surname Getzel - Meaning and Origin

Getzel: What does the surname Getzel mean?

The last name Getzel is a Jewish surname and has two possible meanings. One possible origin of the name is an abbreviation of the biblical Hebrew name ‘Gadol’, which translates as ‘great’ or ‘important’. The other possible origin of the surname is from the word Gedaliah – Cecelia – which roughly translates as ‘God’s portion.’

As a testament to this name’s strong Jewish roots, the vast majority of those with the last name Getzel live in the US, the United Kingdom, and Israel.

The Getzel surname is also often associated with the business and entrepreneurship. It is said the Getzels developed their skills as financers and brokers during the years of immigration from Eastern Europe to the United States, where they often became the “head of the house” and the heads of major financial companies.

The name Getzel is seen as a prestigious surname, and many people proudly bear the name. Those who have it are seen to be highly successful in their respective industries, with strong managerial and leadership skills.

Having the last name Getzel typically carries a sense of pride in one’s ancestry, and many bearers of the name proudly embrace their Jewish heritage and cultural background. Many bearers of the name look to their past, where it is believed that having the name Getzel indicates a history of financial prowess and success.

Getzel: Where does the name Getzel come from?

The last name Getzel is not especially common today, but it can still be found in certain parts of the world. For example, Getzels live in Israel, where the name has origins in Ashkenazi Jewish surnames, typically derived from the German and Eastern European region. It is also prevalent among Jewish communities in North America, particularly in and around New York City and other large Jewish ethnic enclaves. Additionally, many Getzels can be found in areas of Canada, Europe (especially Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Latvia), Latin America, and Australia.

Due to migration and relocation, the Getzel name has spread throughout the world and can be found in many places today. Records show that the earliest version of the name was found in Galicia, Poland — today a center of Jewish population — in the 1800s, and that it was used to denote a person of Polish or Jewish descent. In more recent decades, it has seen use by non-Jewish individuals and continued with non-Jewish populations when immigrant families moved. However, Jewish families are still thought to be the primary holders of the Getzel surname.

While the name Getzel may not be particularly common in one specific area of the world today, it can still be found scattered throughout many different countries and cultures.

Variations of the surname Getzel

Getzel is a Jewish surname of Ashkenazic origin which is derived from the Yiddish word “getatsl” which means “trader” or “middleman.” This last name has a number of variants and spellings including Gechel, Gecel, Gecelius, Geissel, Gitial, Gitell, Gital, Giteal, Gitel, Gittel, Gittle, Getel, Gitl, and Getsel.

The roots of the Getzel surname can be traced back to the 16th century in Germany and Russia. During this period, the family settled in various locations, including Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, and the Ukraine. Due to a series of migrations, some of the Getzel families relocated to the United States in the late 19th century.

In addition to the many variants and spellings of the last name Getzel, there are also some other surnames which have been derived from the same root. These include Getz, Gets, Getze, Getzler, Getzloff, Getzoff, and Getsler. All of these surnames are related to the original form, Getzel, but are distinct from the original in various ways due to the process of phonemes and diaphones, then transfers during migrations.

Today, those bearing the Getzel surname are found in the USA, Israel, Canada, Hungary, and other countries around the world.

Famous people with the name Getzel

• Moshe Getzel: politician and former Minister of Justice in Israel
• Leonid Getzel: professor of mechanical engineering at Politecnico di Milano in Milan, Italy
• Warren Getzel: former professional ice hockey player
• Alan Getzel: angel investor and venture capitalist
• Liam Getzel: actor, writer and director
• Vladimir Getzel: Russian poet and author
• Igor Getzel: Russian chess grandmaster
• Isidore Getzel: Polish-American philanthropist and WWII veteran
• Irwin Getzel: American conductor of Russian origin
• Natan Getzel: Latvian entrepreneur and realtor

Other surnames

Getze