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Last Name Anzel

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What is the origin of the last name Anzel?

The surname Anzel is of Germanic origin. It is a variant of the name Angelo, which is derived from the Germanic elements "angele" meaning "angel" or "messenger" and "-wulf" meaning "wolf". Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms such as Anzel in certain regions. The name became more common among settlers in Central Europe during the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Anzel

The meaning and origin of the last name Anzel

The surname Anzel is of French origin, stemming from various regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and Lorraine. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Ancelin," which is composed of two elements: "Ans" meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' and "-el" indicating a diminutive form. Over time, this personal name evolved into the surname Anzel, reflecting the common practice in medieval Europe whereby people were identified by their occupations, place of origin, or patronymic relationships. The spelling and pronunciation variations, such as Angel, Angell, or Azel, are due to phonetic changes over centuries and regional dialects. Today, the surname Anzel is predominantly found in France and its diaspora, where it continues to be a part of the rich tapestry of family names.

Geographical distribution of the last name Anzel

The surname Anzel is predominantly found in Europe, particularly in countries like France, Poland, and Lithuania. In France, it is most concentrated in regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and the Rhône-Alpes. In Poland, it is more common in regions like Masovia and Lesser Poland. In Lithuania, it is mainly found in the northern parts of the country. The name also appears sporadically in other European countries such as Germany, Belgium, and Italy. Additionally, there are small populations with the surname Anzel in some South American countries, notably Argentina and Brazil, which could be due to historical migrations from Europe. However, it is important to note that the distribution can vary greatly depending on specific ancestry databases or genealogical resources used for analysis.

Variants and spellings of the last name Anzel

The surname Anzel has several variations and spellings in different regions and languages. These include Anzell, Anzeli, Anzelli, Anzelewicz, Anzelowicz, Anzelowsky, Anzelj, Anžel, Anželo, and Anzelich. The name may also be found as Ansel, Ansell, Ansellis, Ansoli, Ansoleoni, or Anzola in some parts of the world. The origins of this surname are primarily Germanic, Slavic, or Italian. It is derived from various sources such as personal names like Ansell (Anglo-Saxon), Anzelm (German), or Anselmo (Italian). Over time, the spelling has been altered due to linguistic and regional differences. The variations provide a testament to the name's rich history and its widespread distribution across Europe.

Famous people with the last name Anzel

Notable individuals with the surname Anzel include:

1. **Alexander Ansel** (born 1982), an American singer-songwriter and actor, best known for his role as Cody Martin on the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana."

2. **Cécile Ansel** (born 1965), a French contemporary dancer and choreographer who has collaborated with many notable artists such as Pina Bausch, Sasha Waltz, and Wim Vandekeybus.

3. **Julia Ancel (Anzel)**, an American actress known for her roles in the films "Cherry 2000" (1985), "The Terminator" (1984), and television series "Fantasy Island" (1977-1984).

4. **Julien Ansel-Mayer** (born 1988), a French professional footballer who currently plays for the French Ligue 2 club Le Havre AC as a midfielder.

5. **Oliver Anzel**, a German fashion designer, known for his work with the fashion brands "Oliver Anzel" and "Anzel by Oliver Anzel."

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning music, dance, acting, and fashion.

Genealogical research on the last name Anzel

The surname Anzel is believed to have originated from various regions across Europe, with significant concentrations found in France and Poland. In French-speaking territories, it is derived from the given name Ansel, which is of Germanic origin, meaning "with a God's grace." The Polish form of the surname, Anzelik or Anzelewicz, is a patronymic, meaning "son of Anzel."

The earliest recorded instance of the Anzel surname can be traced back to France in the 12th century. One of the earliest known bearers was Adelardus filius Anseli, who lived in Normandy during the High Middle Ages. In Poland, the first documented mention of the name dates back to the 15th century, with a certain Andrzej Anzel appearing in records from Silesia.

Throughout history, individuals bearing the Anzel surname have made significant contributions to their respective societies. For instance, Jean-Baptiste Anzel (1793–1845) was a French painter known for his portraits and historical scenes, while Józef Anzel (1802–1869) was a prominent Polish journalist and publisher. Today, the name is found worldwide, with notable descendants in various fields such as academia, politics, and arts.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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