Surname Pretzler - Meaning and Origin
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Pretzler: What does the surname Pretzler mean?
The last name Pretzler is a German surname, which is derived from the Middle High German word ‘pretzel’ – an unleavened pastry-like snack usually made in a distinctive twisted loop shape. The name is thought to have been assigned to bakers who made and sold these pretzels.
It’s also possible that the name is derived from a pre-existing German name, namely Prätzler or Prötzler, which can more than likely be traced back to the Old High German word ‘brozzil’ – meaning broken pieces. It’s possible that some individuals bearing this name were peasants who collected broken or unusable bits of grain, which could then be used to make bread or porridge.
The name was presumably given to individuals, or families, who worked as either bakers or grain-collecter peasants in Germany and was adopted as their surname when surnames began to be used in the Middle Ages.
Pretzler is most commonly found in South Germany, especially in the Baden-Württemberg state regions as well as the Bavarian regions. It can also be found in some parts of Austria and the Czech Republic.
Nowadays, the surname Pretzler is still a very common last name amongst individuals of German and Central European heritage and is still commonly used in its original region.
Order DNA origin analysisPretzler: Where does the name Pretzler come from?
The last name Pretzler is most commonly found within central and northern Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. Within Germany today, it is most commonly found in Bavaria, in the south of the country. It is also found in the Austrian states of Vienna and Lower Austria.
The name Pretzler is derived from the German word "Pretzel", as was a common family name given to bakers who made pretzels. It is hypothesized to have come to Germany in the 13th century, likely through the Bohemian Empire at the time.
The family name Pretzler is typically very rare, but certain parts of Germany and Austria have higher concentrations of it. In Germany most of these concentrations are found in Bavaria and in the surrounding regions. In Austria the name is often found in the region of Vienna.
Generally, people with the family name Pretzler can trace their genealogy back to these regions of central Europe where it originated several centuries ago. Pretzler remains an uncommon family name but certain parts of Europe are home to higher concentrations of it.
Variations of the surname Pretzler
The surname Pretzler has its origin in the German language and has various spelling variants, surnames of similar origin and source spellings. In its earliest form, the surname was Pratzeler or Pretzlar, with the meaning of "baker of pretzels". Other variants of the same origin include Pretzly, Pretzlin, Pretzlaff, Pretzlerin, and Pretzlerine.
In some regions, the surname is spelled as Pretzler; found mostly in France, Switzerland and Germany, as well as parts of Austria and Hungary. Its spelling form Pretzling is more common in Austria and Germany, as well as parts of the Czech Republic and central Europe.
Surnames of similar origin include Prezel, Pretzell, Pretzsch, Pretzl, Pretzlaff, Pretzsche and Pretzschell. This last one is a more modern spelling of its now-archaic form of Pretzchel. The spelling variant Preutzel is also recorded in some regions.
In old Jewish records, the spelling variants Pretzler and Pretzlon are also found, which are also common in Eastern Europe.
The Pretzler surname has also been Americanized to forms such as Pretsler, Preseler, Pretzler, Pretzeler, Petzler, Petzlerin, Petzlaff, Petzlar and Petzlin.
Overall, the spelling variants of the surname Pretzler represent a long and extensive history of usage all over Europe. Furthermore, the surname has been adapted and blended in many different regions, resulting in various forms of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Pretzler
- Erich Pretzler: Austrian physicist and professor at the University of Stockholm.
- Anita Pretzler: Swiss model, and ex-wife of British businessman, Richard Branson.
- Jeffrey Pretzler: American computer programmer and businessman.
- Mona Pretzler: German actor and director.
- Hans Pretzler: German-American mathematician, computer scientist, and entrepreneur.
- Paul Pretzler: Austrian world-renowned chef and restaurateur.
- Geoffrey Pretzler: British architect and designer.
- Franz Pretzler: Austrian classical composer.
- Wolfgang Pretzler: Austrian composer and film score composer.
- Countess Baroness Genevieve Pretzler: German aristocrat and socialite.
- Robert Pretzler: German theoretical physicist and professor of physics at the University of Göttingen.
- Marianne Pretzler: Austrian singer and songwriter.
- Maja Pretzler: Austrian artist and sculptor.
- Franz Josef Pretzler: Austrian artist and textile designer.