Surname Gschwandl - Meaning and Origin
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Gschwandl: What does the surname Gschwandl mean?
The surname Gschwandl is a German name which dates back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old German combined words "gschal" and "wenndel" which mean "bow" and "swing" respectively. As such, Gschwandl is thought to originate from an occupational name for an archer or bowyer. In some parts of Germany, Gschwandl was also a nickname for someone who was skillful with a bow or one who typically used a bow in their daily life. It could also have been given to a law-abiding citizen, as the bow was associated with justice in the Middle Ages.
Gschwandl is also thought to be derived from a topographic surname, which would mean someone who lived near a curve or bend in a river, road or other geographical feature. This is because the word "gschwenndl" also means bend or curve in many German dialects. The name is still common in various parts of Germany today. It is also borne by people in Austria, Switzerland and countries of Central and Eastern Europe such as Romania, Croatia and Lithuania.
Gschwandl has multiple variants, each derived from a different dialect but still recognizable as the same surname. Common variants of Gschwandl include Gschwendl, Gschwandler, Gschwendner, Gschwenter and Gschwendtner.
In summary, Gschwandl is an Old German occupational and topographic surname which originated centuries ago. It carries with it connotations of archery, dexterity and justice. Today, variations of this surname can be found all across Central and Eastern Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisGschwandl: Where does the name Gschwandl come from?
Gschwandl is an Austrian surname, indicating that it is likely most common today in Austria and among people of Austrian descent living in other countries. It is worth noting, however, that the surname seems to be more common in Austria's neighbouring countries. For instance, in Slovenia the surname is spelled Gšwandl, a spelling closer to the original that suggests strong continuity between the two countries.
Gschwandl is also found in some places in Germany, and can be seen in the phonebook in Switzerland. A few hundred people living in the United States and Canada also bear this last name.
In 2014, a popular Austrian magazine, Der Spiegel, wrote an article about the Gschwandl family, which originates from Salzburg. This gave an insight into a long and well-documented family history that stretches back more than 400 years. Most of the research focuses on the family’s activities in Austria over the centuries, and today they are mostly concentrated in the northern parts of the country.
Overall, Gschwandl is mostly found today in Austria, its neighbouring countries, and among its diaspora living in the US, Canada and plenty of other nations.
Variations of the surname Gschwandl
The surname Gschwandl is of German origin. It is most commonly spelled as Gschwandl, but can also be seen as Gschwendl or Gschwandel. Alternate versions of the surname can also include Schwandl, Schwandel, Schwendl, and Schwendel. Variants of Gschwandl with slight alterations to the spelling can also be found, such as Gschwantl, Gschwandel, Gschkwandl, Gschkwandel, Gschkwendl, and Gschkwendel. This surname is derived from the Old High German word 'swandal', which means 'journey'.
The Gschwandl surname is rare but can still be found in modern-day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. According to the German citizen census, the surname is only held by about 300 people. The Gschwandl surname is also fairly common in parts of the United States, such as the Mid-Atlantic region. Within the United States, the surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia.
Gschwandl is a popular name in Austria, and is most often seen in the states of Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Vienna. The Austrian version of Gschwandl is often seen spelled as Gschwand, Gschwandt, or Gschwant. In Swiss, the surname is most often seen as Gschwander or Gschwandner.
Overall, the Gschwandl surname is a rare one, with variants that can often be seen in German-speaking countries and the United States. There are slight spelling variations to the name like Gschwend, Gschwandt, Gschwant, Gschwander, and Gschwandner that can also be found in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
Famous people with the name Gschwandl
- Gerd Gschwandl: Gerd Gschwandl is an Austrian photographer who was active in the 1970s and 1980s. He photographed many of the iconic rock groups of the time such as David Bowie, U2 and Queen.
- Johannes Gschwandl: Johannes Gschwandl is a German journalist who is best known for his involvement in the foundation of the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung.
- Anna Gschwandl: Anna Gschwandl is an Austrian-born visual artist based in Vienna. She is known for her installations which are often interactive and explore the relationship between viewer and artwork.
- Bernhard Gschwandl: Bernhard Gschwandl is an Austrian sculptor, painter and graphic artist who was active in the mid-20th century. His works often contain religious and/or political themes and he was known for his abstract sculptures.
- Günther Gschwandl: Günther Gschwandl is an Austrian swimmer. He has represented Austria at the Olympic level and has won medals at the World Championships for synchronized swimming.
- Johanna Gschwandl: Johanna Gschwandl is a German nurse who works at the Charité in Berlin. She is best known for her work in the field of neonatology, or the care of newborns.
- Antero Gschwandl: Antero Gschwandl is a Swiss author, filmmaker, and television director. His works often touch on themes of migration, identity, and race.
- Herwig Gschwandl: Herwig Gschwandl is a German Paralympian who competed in shooting events for disabled athletes at the 1972 Summer Games in Heidelberg.