Surname Viechtel - Meaning and Origin
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Viechtel: What does the surname Viechtel mean?
The last name Viechtel is of German origin and is derived from the German word “Viech” which means “animal” or “livestock”. This surname can be interpreted to mean someone who was a livestock keeper or grazier or a farm labourer who worked with animals.
In days past, the term Viech could also be used to denote someone who was untamed, savage or wild – a perfect description of animal husbandry. This could explain why some bearers of the name Viechtel might have emigrated to other countries in search of a better life.
Before the mid-20th century, most people who carried this surname were likely farmers from the rural areas or small towns of southern Germany. As such, they were historically associated with cattle farming or caring for other types of animals. It could also be used to signify an occupation in the preservation of nature.
In other cases, the surname Viechtel may have been used to denote those who ventured further afield and became tradesmen or shopkeepers in larger, more populous areas such as cities.
No matter the origin of the surname, it is clear that many families with this last name have a unique connection to animals and the rural life. There is no doubt that for many, they will have a strong appreciation for nature and its wildness.
Order DNA origin analysisViechtel: Where does the name Viechtel come from?
The surname Viechtel is a German surname that is primarily found in central and southern parts of Germany. It is especially common in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The surname is thought to be derived from the Germanic personal name “Victel,” which means “defeated ruler” or “conquered ruler.”
In modern times there is a concentration of the Viechtel surname in the Bavarian town of Valdorf, where the rate is estimated to be double that of most other regions in practice. This may be due to its close proximity to an area of the Black Forest where the ancestry of the Viechtel surname originated centuries ago and families have kept lower population numbers.
The surname is also slightly more noticable in German-speaking parts of Switzerland, particularly in locations bordering the southern German region. It is also common among descendants of German immigrants in the United States and Canada, primarily in the Midwest and Ontario regions respectively.
The few people with the Viechtel surname living outside of Europe can be found primarily in the United States. According to the 2010 U.S. census there were a total of 50 people with this surname living there, most of whom were located in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
In addition, there are a handful of Viechtel households living in Australia, where the surname is likely to have been taken by German immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Variations of the surname Viechtel
The surname Viechtel is an old German name derived from the Bavarian language and is found mostly within Germany. The earliest records of the surname date back to the late 13th century and can be found throughout the archives of German churches.
Variations of the surname Viechtel include Viechlein, Veichtel, Veichtlin, Feichtel, Feichtl,, Fichtel, Fichtl, Fiechten, Fiechtmann, Pichtano, Pichtel, Piechtey, Pichtlein, Vechten, Vechtin, Veschten, Weschten, Vita, and Vitte.
Variations based on spelling are Viehte, Feihthtel, Feychtel, Pichte, Piechtel, Vechtel, Vetchte, and Wiechtel.
Surnames that have the same origin as Viechtel include Feychtner, Feichtner, Fichtner, Fiethen, Pfechner, Piefen, Piefert, Piefhin, Pifen, Pifert, and Pihen.
It is believed that the original spelling of the name, Pficht, may have derived from the German word meaning “crown” or “wreath”, and that the surname was used as a nickname for someone who may have dressed up as a crown or wore a wreath. It is also believed that the name originated from the German word feicht which means “tool”, and that the surname was given to someone who may have made tools.
Famous people with the name Viechtel
- Jeff Viechtel: a renowned practitioner of sports psychology and an innovator in the field of motor behavior.
- Louisa Viechtel: a Grammy Award-winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of VIBE magazine.
- Leonard Viechtel: an acclaimed cinematographer who’s worked on major films such as The Last Samurai and Blindspotting.
- John Viechtel: a business executive and former President and COO of Medco Health Solutions.
- John-Henry Viechtel: a sought-after violinist, composer, and performer known for his cover of “Shape of My Heart.”
- Olsen Viechtel: an acclaimed celebrity travel and strategic marketing expert.
- Michael Viechtel: a renowned heart surgeon and Director of Cardiac Surgery at New York–Presbyterian Hospital.
- Bernd Viechtel: an experienced securities attorney and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.
- Esien Viechtel: the muscular physique actor portraying roles in movies such as The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part and Jumanji: The Next Level.
- Brita Viechtel: an award-winning contemporary artist creating mixed media paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.