Wetzel Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wetzel come from? What does the surname Wetzel mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wetzel and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wetzel Origin: What does the last name Wetzel mean?
The surname Wetzel originated in Germany around the early 16th century, according to YourRoots data. It has remained closely associated with Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries, with significant growth observed in the United States from the 18th century onwards. The volume of records with the Wetzel surname grew significantly in the United States by the 20th century, and it remains prominent in the country. The surname also appears in countries like Germany and others based on YourRoots data.
Unfortunately, specific data about the meaning and origin of the Wetzel surname is not available at this time. However, YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Wetzel surname, indicating its presence in various countries over the centuries. This suggests that the Wetzel surname has a diverse and widespread presence, reflecting a rich heritage that has evolved across different regions and cultures.
Wetzel Last Name History: Where did the last name Wetzel come from?
Origin of Wetzel Surname: Where does the last name Wetzel originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wetzel first appeared in records from Germany around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Wetzel spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Wetzel: What does the Wetzel surname history look like in the early days?
The Wetzel surname remained closely associated with Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries, with significant growth observed in the United States from the 18th century onwards. YourRoots data also shows Wetzel family records in the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wetzel surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Wetzel surname grew significantly in the United States. The Wetzel surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Germany, and other nations based on YourRoots data.
Explore Wetzel last name heritage and Wetzel surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wetzel Surame?
Lewis Wetzel
Lewis Wetzel (1763–1808) was an American scout and frontiersman known as "Death Wind" for his fearlessness and expert marksmanship. Raised in West Virginia, he survived Native American raids and became a legend for his skills with a rifle, knife, and tomahawk. Wetzel's daring exploits in Indian warfare were compared to those of Daniel Boone, making him a key figure in early American history.
Dan Wetzel
Dan Wetzel is an American author, screenwriter, and Senior Writer for ESPN. He was previously the national columnist for Yahoo! Sports, covering a wide range of sports events, from the NFL to the Olympics. Wetzel is also a co-host of a popular college football podcast and has written several sports-related books, including biographies for young readers. He is known for his strong views against the BCS system in college football and his investigative reporting on sports scandals. Wetzel's work has been widely recognized for its depth and impact in the sports journalism world.
Donald Wetzel
Donald C. Wetzel (January 3, 1929 - ) is an American businessman best known for inventing the automatic teller machine (ATM). Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, he had a diverse career that included playing minor-league baseball, working for IBM, and eventually designing the first ATM machine in 1968. Wetzel went on to found multiple financial systems companies and received the IEEE Simon Ramo Medal in 2006 for his contributions to the industry. He retired in 1989 and continues to live in Dallas.
Walter C. Wetzel
Walter C. Wetzel (June 7, 1919 – April 3, 1945) was a United States Army soldier who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during World War II. Serving as a private first class in the 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, Wetzel sacrificed himself by smothering German-thrown grenades to protect his fellow soldiers in Birken, Germany. His heroic actions saved his comrades from serious injury and allowed them to continue the defense of their command post. Wetzel's gallantry and selfless sacrifice epitomized the U.S. Army's highest traditions of bravery and heroism.
Jake Wetzel
Jacob Wetzel (born Dec 26, 1976) is a Canadian rower who has represented both Canada and the United States at World Championships and the Olympics. Starting his career at the University of California, Berkeley, Wetzel achieved immediate success, winning multiple championships and medals. Known for his gold medal win at the 2008 Summer Olympics, Wetzel also excelled academically, earning an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford. After retiring from international rowing, he pursued a PhD in Finance at the University of British Columbia. Wetzel's accomplishments led to his induction into the Cal Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, cementing his legacy in the world of rowing.
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