Last Name Wurstle

The surname Wurstle is believed to have German origins. It is derived from a medieval German occupation name for a butcher or sausage maker, as "Wurst" means sausage in German and "-le" can be an indicator of occupation. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved in various ways and might not always have clear connections to their original meanings due to factors such as regional dialects, historical events, and name changes over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wurstle

The meaning and origin of the last name Wurstle

The surname Wurstle is of German origin, derived from a Middle High German term "wurzel" which means root or branch. It is believed that this name originally referred to someone who lived near a large tree or plant with roots, possibly as a topographic name. Over time, the spelling evolved into the modern form Wurstle, with variations such as Worstel and Worzl also found. The name is relatively rare, but it can be found predominantly among individuals of German descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wurstle

The surname Wurstle is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly in Austria and Germany. According to data from various sources, it is most concentrated in Bavaria, Germany, with higher occurrences also recorded in Vorarlberg and Salzburg in Austria. While the name is less common outside of these areas, there are isolated instances of Wurstle families in other parts of Europe, such as Switzerland and France, likely due to migration or historical ties. The distribution suggests a strong regional origin for this surname within Central Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wurstle

The surname Wurstle has several variations and spelling derivatives, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some of these variants include Worstle, Worstel, Wörstle (German), Würstle, Wüstle, Worstelhoff (Germanic compound), Wurstell, Wurtsell, Wurstal, Wurzl, and Wurtzel. These variations are found in various countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States, reflecting migration and assimilation of families with this name over centuries. It is essential to note that the choice of spelling can depend on factors like personal preference, historical context, or geographical location.

Famous people with the last name Wurstle

Notable individuals with the surname Wurstle include:

1. Günther Wurstle (born 1967), an Austrian alpine skier who competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics. He won the gold medal in the Men's Downhill event and a bronze medal in the Men's Super-G.

2. Thomas Wurstle (born 1980), a German athlete who specializes in shot put. He represented Germany at international competitions, including the European Athletics Championships.

3. Karl Wurstle (1934–2017), an Austrian football player and coach. He played for several clubs in Austria and Switzerland during his playing career, which lasted from 1954 to 1968. After retiring as a player, he became a coach.

4. Maria Wurstle (born 1992), an Austrian biathlete. She competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics and has participated in several World Championships and European Championships.

Genealogical research on the last name Wurstle

The Wurstle surname is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly in Bavaria, Germany, and neighboring Austria. Historically, it is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German "wurz" meaning "sausage" and "le" denoting a trade or profession. The name would have been given to individuals who were butchers, sausage makers, or vendors of such products. Notable bearers of this surname include Heinrich Wurstl, a Bavarian politician in the early 20th century, and Johannes Wurstl, an Austrian politician in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name has also been recorded variants such as Wurzl, Wurzel, and Wurtsch, due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wurstle"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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