Last Name Gutzwiller

The surname Gutzwiller is a German and Swiss topographic name for someone who lived near a goose enclosure or a small pond used as a fish weir. It is derived from Middle High German words "gans" meaning goose, and "wiltze" or "wilz" meaning enclosure or pool. The surname may have also originated from the Old High German word "gutz," which means good, and "wiltzen" meaning to enclose, leading to a possible interpretation of the name as someone living near a good enclosure or pool. The name is most common in Switzerland and southwestern Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gutzwiller

The meaning and origin of the last name Gutzwiller

The surname Gutzwiller is of Swiss origin, specifically from the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. It is derived from the Old High German term "Guzwi" or "Guozi," which means "little goat" or "kid," and the suffix "-wiler" that denotes a place where someone lived or owned land. Thus, Gutzwiller likely originated as a topographical name for someone who resided near a small pasture for goats or lived on a farm where goats were raised. Over time, the surname has been spelled in various ways, such as Guetzowiler, Gutzwyl, and Gutzwiller, due to changes in spelling and pronunciation over centuries. Today, individuals bearing this surname can be found predominantly in Switzerland, Germany, and the United States, with some scattered instances across other countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gutzwiller

The surname Gutzwiller is predominantly found in German-speaking countries, particularly Switzerland. It originates from the Old High German word "guz" meaning goose and "wilare" or "vilar" meaning settlement or farmstead, thus translating to 'the farmstead of the goose.' Over time, it has also spread to other regions due to migration, with significant populations in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and the United States. In the U.S., Gutzwiller settlers arrived primarily in the 19th century, mostly in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio. The name is less common but can also be found in other parts of the world as a result of migration waves throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gutzwiller

The surname Gutzwiller has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and time periods. Some common variants include:

1. Gutzweiler (German)
2. Gutsweiler (German)
3. Gütschy (Swiss-German)
4. Gutschi (Swiss-German)
5. Gutzwiller-Rossler (Compounded surname, combining Gutzwiller and another family name)
6. Gutzwillier (Mis-spelling of the original German form)
7. Gutswillar (Phonetic variation in English)
8. Gutsvilier (Mis-spelling or phonetic variation in English)
9. Gutswiller (Simplified version due to English language influences)
10. Gottswiler (Different pronunciation in some regions)

These variations reflect the historical and cultural contexts where the name originated, as well as the evolution of naming conventions over time.

Famous people with the last name Gutzwiller

Notable individuals with the surname Gutzwiller include:

1. David Gutzwiller (born 1936), an American astronomer and professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He is known for his work on radio astronomy and cosmology.

2. Frank Gutzwiller (1858-1930), a Swiss politician who served as the president of Switzerland from 1900 to 1901. He was a member of the Free Democratic Party.

3. Ursula Gutzwiller (born 1942), a Swiss novelist, poet, and playwright. She has won numerous literary awards for her works, which often explore themes of love, identity, and the human condition.

4. Hans Georg Gutzwiller (born 1953), a Swiss violinist and conductor. He is the artistic director of several orchestras and is known for his work in contemporary music.

Genealogical research on the last name Gutzwiller

The Gutzwiller surname originates from Switzerland, particularly the canton of Aargau and Schaffhausen regions. It is derived from the Old High German "Guzhilari" or "Gozi-wiler," meaning 'Gozi's settlement.' The name is historically associated with various noble families in medieval Switzerland. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to 1275 when Heinrich Gutzwiller was mentioned in a document from the Abbey of St. Gallen. Over time, the family spread across Europe due to migrations and religious conflicts. Notable Gutzwillers include Johann Caspar Gutzwiller (1807-1886), a Swiss composer and conductor, and Adolf Gutzwiller (1855-1931), a Swiss chemist who made significant contributions to the field of spectroscopy. Today, the surname can be found in various parts of the world, with a concentration in Switzerland, Germany, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gutzwiller"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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