Weisel (surname)
Weisel is a surname of German and Yiddish origin.
Origin and Meaning:
The name "Weisel" is derived from several possible sources:
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German: It is a variant of the German word "Weise," meaning "wise" or "learned." In this context, it could have been a nickname or an occupational name for someone known for their wisdom or employed as an advisor.
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Yiddish: In Yiddish, "Weisel" can refer to a queen bee (also spelled "Wiesel"). It's less common than the German origin, but possible.
Distribution:
The surname Weisel is found primarily in Germany and among Ashkenazi Jewish communities. It is also present in countries to which these communities emigrated, such as the United States, Canada, and Israel.
Notable People with the Surname:
- Elie Wiesel (1928-2016): A Romanian-born American writer, professor, political activist, Nobel laureate, and Holocaust survivor. He is perhaps the most well-known individual with this surname.
Variations:
Common variations of the surname Weisel include:
- Wiesel
- Weise
- Wiesler
- Weisser