Surname Schwegerl - Meaning and Origin

Schwegerl: What does the surname Schwegerl mean?

The last name Schwegerl is of German origin. It is a habitational name, derived from the name of numerous places named Schwegerl or Schwegerle, which are located in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name derives from the German word “schweger” meaning someone who is averse or opposed to speaking out, and the suffix “-l” which is an indicator of a diminutive form, typically indicating smallness or endearment.

Throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the name Schwegerl may have referred to a person or family living in or near a small settlement. It may also have been interpreted as a nickname for someone who preferred to stay quiet or was hesitant to speak out. Alternatively, it could have been used to refer to someone who was physically small or endearing.

In German records from the 16th and 17th centuries, the Schwegerl family was recorded in various regions of Austria and Germany. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved, and today it can be found in one of several forms, including Schwegerle, Schwebgerle, and Schwäbgerle.

Overall, the last name Schwegerl is a habitational name of German origin, deriving from the word “schweger” and the suffix “-l.” It may have been used to describe someone who lived in a settlement, someone who preferred to stay quiet, or someone who was physically small or endearing.

Schwegerl: Where does the name Schwegerl come from?

The last name Schwegerl is common today in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary. It is one of the oldest family names found in Germany, believed to have first been recorded in 1202 AD in Bavaria. In the early 19th century, many families with the last name Schwegerl immigrated to America, settling in areas like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

The name originates from an old German word 'schwigerl' which means 'relative or kinsman'. Schwegerl family members tend to vary greatly, but it is a name that is typically associated with someone who is actively involved in their community, focused on helping others and building a strong family base.

In Germany, Schwegerl family members are typically rural citizens that are either tradesmen or farmers. In America, family members tend to be more educated and involved in business, lobbying, and political arenas. Austria is home to a powerful political family with the same last name, and is a popular place for family visits, vacations, and excursions.

Overall, the family name Schwegerl is quite common in many different countries. While the meaning of the name has evolved over the years, many modern-day members still strive to help one another and push for a more connected and prosperous global community.

Variations of the surname Schwegerl

The surname Schwegerl is primarily found in Austria and has a few variants and spellings. In Austria, the most common spelling and variant of the name is Schwägerl or Schwägler, with Schwägl as a less common variant. Further variants of this surname include Shwagerle, Schwaiger, Swager, Swagerle and Swägel. Other spellings of the name include Schwagerl, Schwaegel, Shvagerl, Shwegerl and Schwagerle. Additionally, the variations Schwagel and Schwartzel are found in German-speaking regions of Europe.

The surname originated from a German word meaning "relative" or "relative-in-law," and is likely derived from a nickname for a close family relationship. In Germany, the word Schwager is the term for "brother-in-law," with Schwägerin used for a "sister-in-law." This suggests that the surname originated as a name for one closely related to a family, either through bloodlines or by marriage.

The surname appears as a patronymic surname in many areas, such as Switzerland. In some cases, the name followed the family as they moved or immigrated to other regions, taking on different spellings. For example, the surname appears as Svengerl in the U.S., through immigration from 1995 to 2000.

Schwaegel is another variant of the name which is often seen in the U.S. In some cases, the spelling of the surname has also been changed due to misspellings or mistranslations. For example, in the U.S. the name may be spelled as Schwaegle or even as Svagerl.

In some instances, the name may have been anglicised through the addition of a suffix, resulting in names such as Schwagerly. Other variations of the name, such as Shwegerl, may have been altered for ease of interpretation or simply because the original spelling was difficult to pronounce.

Famous people with the name Schwegerl

• Karl Schwegerl (1864-1921), Austrian paleontologist.
• Katharina Schwegerl (born 1964), Austrian journalist.
• Christa Schwegerl (born 1938), Austrian sculptor.
• Anton Schwegerl (1903-1993), Austrian soccer player.
• Mathias Schwegerl (born 1951), Austrian painter.
• Roland Schwegerl (born 1962), Austrian industrial designer.
• Johann Schwegerl (1875-1938), Austrian lawyer.
• Robert Schwegerl (born 1977), Austrian professional soccer player.
• Martin Schwegerl (born 1958), Austrian historian, author and professor.
• Walter Schwegerl (1889-1970), Austrian sculptor.
• Dieter Schwegerl (born 1946), German auto racers.

Other surnames

Schwegerle