Surname Prezel - Meaning and Origin
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Prezel: What does the surname Prezel mean?
The last name Prezel is of German origin and originated as a habitational name derived from the place name Prezel near Lauban in Silesia. The place itself is derived from an old Slavic personal name believed to mean “prickly or rough bush”. The name is also found as Prassel, Prassl, Presel, Pretzel, Prösel and more.
The Prezel surname was first recorded in the Middle Ages in eastern Germany, and the family was thought to have migrated to Prussia and other parts of Germany in the 15th century. Its bearers were also found in Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary and even Transylvania.
In the United States, Prezel is also an Americanized spelling of the Jewish surname Preschel.
The Prezel surname is derived from the German “Prezel”, meaning a kind of baked pastry or biscuit made from twisted strips of pastry. It is typically a salted snack and in some parts of Europe, it is a dessert. It is known by many other names in some countries.
People with the Prezel surname are typically proud of their heritage and are a popular choice for German surnames for those with German ancestry. Bearers of this name are proud of its unique etymology and often keep it in the family for generations.
Prezels are popular food items associated with several prominent festivals in Germany, and some people also display them as decorations in their homes. Consequently, some Prezel-namesake families consider them a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Order DNA origin analysisPrezel: Where does the name Prezel come from?
The last name Prezel is most commonly found today in the United States and Germany, with some lesser spread in other countries. In the United States the name is the most common in the southeast and midwest, while in Germany it is most common along the country’s western border.
In the United States, the Prezel surname is primarily found in Pennsylvania, where records first show up in the early 1800s. Records also show it was particularly popular in some of the larger Pennsylvania cities, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg. Another area of the US where the Prezel surname is common is Michigan, although the records there were not kept quite as carefully as they were in Pennsylvania.
In Germany records of the Prezel surname found near the western border date to around the same time as those found in the US. Records also show that the Prezel family had spread from its original settlement to small villages close to the borders with France and the Netherlands.
The last name Prezel also spread to other countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. While the number of people with the Prezel name outside of the US and Germany is considerably smaller, records do seem to show the family dispersed to different corners of the world.
Variations of the surname Prezel
The surname Prezel is of German origin and can be spelt in various ways, including Prazel, Preschel, Presel, Prassel, and Prezal. It is derived from the German word ‘Prechel’ which means ‘a small bush’.
The variants of the surname Prezel include Preslan, Prescel, Prasselin, Preselin, Preslanin, Preslaner, Preslanmer, Preslanker, Presheller, Preheller, Presch, Prasch, Prezal, Prezelin, Prezlan, Priseler, Preslener, Prassler, and Prasterer.
Surnames in the same family of origin as Prezel include Prazen, Prazer, Preisler, Prescher, Brecher, Presdan, Prasdan, Preiser, Praschner, Braesler, Praeser, Prasser, Preiser, Prehner, Bresler, Prescher, Presler, Prasler, and Braeseler.
The surname Prezel is most commonly found in South Germany and Austria. It is an uncommon surname today, with relatively few individuals using it as their family name.
Famous people with the name Prezel
- Sheryl Prezel: She is a licensed clinical psychologist and a psychotherapist with more than 30 years of experience. She specializes in treating eating disorders and helping people create positive changes in their lives.
- Jake Prezel: Jake is an American rapper and producer. He has worked with artists such as Snoop Dogg, The Game and Ice Cube.
- Roger Prezel:Roger is a former professional tennis player from France. He was ranked as high as 28th in the world rankings and reached the semifinals of three Grand Slam tournaments.
- Maureen Prezel: Maureen is an American singer-songwriter from the Philadelphia area. She has released several popular singles and is best known for her signature mix of R&B, soul, and pop.
- Martina Prezel: Martina is an Austrian actress and model. She is best known for her roles in a variety of films and television series, including SOKO Kitzbühel and the Italian detective series Talea.
- Sophie Prezel: Sophie is an Australian visual artist. She specializes in abstract modern artwork and installations. Her artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums in her native Australia and in Asia as well.
- Giselle Prezel: Giselle is an American Broadway dancer and choreographer. She has performed in numerous Broadway productions, including Cats, Hairspray, Apollo on The Great Wall, and Mary Poppins.
- Tom Prezel: Tom is a Swiss ski jumper who competed professionally during the 1980s. He won the Swiss national ski jumping championship in 1984 and competed for Switzerland in several international competitions.