Surname Wagschal - Meaning and Origin

Wagschal: What does the surname Wagschal mean?

Wagschal is a German surname believed to have been derived from the word "wagschel," an old German word referring to a curved edge or turn. This could refer to a road or a field, either of which may have been the ancestral home of the first bearers of this name.

It is believed that the surname originated in the Rhineland region of Germany and was likely adopted by local Catholics during the 12th century. During this time, many German families sought to distance their families from previous occupations and associations by taking new names. Wagschal was likely one of these new names, representing a desire for a fresh start.

Through the centuries, the Wagschal name has spread internationally, giving rise to many Wagschal branches around the world. Today, there are still many families with the surname living in Germany, the US, and Canada – all descended from the original Wagschal family.

The Wagschal name is a fine example of a name that has withstood the test of time, and its modern bearers continue to be proud of their ancestral roots. With its history of resilience and adaptability, it is a strong indication of the strength and resilience of the German people.

Wagschal: Where does the name Wagschal come from?

The last name Wagschal is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the countries of Poland, Hungary, and Romania. In Poland, its prevalence is highest in Podlaskie province. There are also sizable populations of Wagschal families in the United States, specifically in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and California.

There are many possible etymologies for the surname. In some cases, it is derived from the German word "wacken", or "to dig". This could be linked to the occupational name of a digger or a gravedigger. Additionally, in some cases, the surname could be derived from "Wagscheul," meaning "wagoner," or someone who transported goods by wagon.

In the United States, most Wagschal families can be traced back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, when immigrants from Central and Eastern Europe came to the US seeking a new life and better economic opportunities. Many went on to become successful businessmen, while others worked in various lowly occupations, such as factory workers. Today, the Wagschal family are well-integrated American citizens who have flourished in the US.

Variations of the surname Wagschal

The surname Wagschal originates from German-speaking lands, and has a variety of related spellings and variants across different language groups. Wagschal is the most common spelling, but in English the surname is often written as Wagshal, Wagschall, Wagshol, or Wagshall. In the Low German language common in northern Germany, the spelling Vagschalle is used. In Austria, the spelling Wagenschütt or Wagenschutt is more common.

Additionally, Wagschal may be found as part of a surname in which the root word is Wag or Wach, such as Wagener or Wagstaff, in English. In German, related spellings include Wachner, Wagener, Wagner, Wagnser, Wagstaff, Wagner, and Wagsner. In Low German, the variants of Vechner, Vechstaff, Vageser, Vagen, Vaegenschull, Vagency, and Vagnere are in use.

In Jewish families, surnames related to Wagschal include Wachs, Wax, Vuagshal, Voch, Vuchsall, or Vuxhall. In Polish Wagschal may be spelled Wazgal or Vasczgial.

Russian versions of the surname such as Vaguensell or Vagenchol are also common. Other spellings around the world where the surname can be found include Vagensell, Wascall, Vascall, Vaschall, Vanderghuensel, and Von Wagenschon.

Famous people with the name Wagschal

• Jacklyn Wagschal: Canadian actress best known for playing Detective Jane Punch on TV series The Detectives.
• Ben Wagschal: author and journalist with The Intercept covering technology, corruption, the Middle East, and human rights.
• Jordan Wagschal: Human Rights Activist and Former Chair of the Canadian Council of Muslims.
• Janice Wagschal: Canadian actress best known for her work on The Umbrella Academy, Orphan Black, and Total Drama.
• Pat Wagschal: professional ice hockey player who has spent time in the NHL.
• Lettie Wagschal: Canadian actress perhaps best known for winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in The Departed.
• Matthew Wagschal: Video game designer and programmer known for his work on titles such as Sword of the Stars and The Longest Journey.
• Elisa Wagschal: Canadian entrepreneur who is most famous for establishing the online retail and lifestyle service “The Shopping Channel”.
• Michael Wagschal: Musician, composer, producer, and composer of musical scores for television and animated films.
• John Wagschal: Canadian lawyer, author, and university professor of business law and governance policies.

Other surnames

Wagschall