NomOrigine Background

Last Name Ertel

What is the origin of the last name Ertel?

The last name Ertel is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German personal name Ertwin, composed of the elements "her" meaning "army" and "win" meaning "friend". Over time, this personal name evolved into the surname Ertel. The Ertel surname may have originated as a nickname or as a patronymic surname, meaning it was passed down from a father to his offspring. Today, the Ertel surname is found primarily in Germany and other German-speaking regions.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ertel

The meaning and origin of the last name Ertel

The surname Ertel is of German origin and is derived from the medieval personal name "Ertho." The name "Ertho" itself comes from the Old High German word "erda," meaning earth. Over time, this name evolved into the surname Ertel, which is found predominantly in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is believed that the surname Ertel may have originally been a nickname for someone who had a down-to-earth personality or was closely connected to the land. The prevalence of this surname in German-speaking countries suggests that it has been in use for centuries and has likely been passed down through generations as a hereditary surname. Today, individuals with the surname Ertel can be found across the world, particularly in regions with significant German immigrant populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ertel

The last name Ertel has a predominantly Germanic origin and is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the regions of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. It is also present in Austria and Switzerland, where individuals with this surname can be traced back to German-speaking immigrants. In the United States, the surname Ertel is less common but can be found in states with large German immigrant populations, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Additionally, due to migration patterns, there are smaller concentrations of individuals with the last name Ertel in countries like France, Australia, and Canada. Overall, the geographic distribution of the last name Ertel reflects its Germanic roots and the historical movements of German-speaking populations around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ertel

The last name Ertel can be found spelled in a few different variations, including Ertell, Ertl, and Erdel. These variations may be due to different accents, dialects, or simply personal preference when it comes to spelling. The name Ertel has German origins and may have been altered over time as it crossed borders or was anglicized for English-speaking countries. Some other potential spellings of Ertel could include Ertle, Erdle, and Ertell. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name Ertel typically signifies a family or individual with German heritage or roots. With such variations in spelling, it is important to be mindful when searching for genealogical or historical records, to ensure all possible spellings are considered to accurately trace the lineage back through generations.

Famous people with the last name Ertel

One famous person with the last name Ertel is Mark Ertel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers in the 1960s. Ertel had a successful career in baseball, and he made significant contributions to both of his teams during his time in the league. Another well-known individual with the last name Ertel is Franz Ertel, a German entrepreneur and founder of the international media company Ertel GmbH & Co. KG. Franz Ertel's company is known for providing high-quality media services and has become a prominent player in the industry. Both Mark and Franz Ertel have made a name for themselves in their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on the world around them.

Genealogical research on the last name Ertel

The surname Ertel is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German name "Erezzila," meaning "noble." The first recorded instance of the name dates back to the early 13th century in Bavaria. The Ertel family has a long history in Germany, with records showing members living in various regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Rhineland. Over the years, the Ertel family has spread to other countries, including the United States, where they have established roots and continued to grow their family tree. Genealogical research on the Ertel name has revealed connections to other Germanic surnames, as well as ties to noble families in Europe. Today, descendants of the Ertel family can be found across the globe, maintaining their heritage and history through their lineage.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Ertek arık (Last name)

surnames > ertek-ar-k

The last name "Ertek" is of Turkish origin. It is a common surname in Turkey and is derived from the Turkish word "er" meaning man or soldier and "tek" meaning single or one.

Ertert (Last name)

surnames > ertert

The origin of the last name "Ertert" is not clear, as it does not appear to have a specific cultural or linguistic origin. It may be a variant spelling of a more common surname or ...

Ertoubi (Last name)

surnames > ertoubi

The last name "Ertoubi" appears to have its origin in Morocco. It is a common surname among Moroccan Jews of Sephardic descent.

Ertra (Last name)

surnames > ertra

The last name "Ertra" does not have a widely known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it could be a variant spelling of a more common surname or have a specific regi...

Ertsop (Last name)

surnames > ertsop

The origin of the last name "Ertsop" is likely Dutch or Flemish, with possible roots in the Netherlands or Belgium. It is possible that the name is derived from a place name or occ...