Surname Bertel - Meaning and Origin
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Bertel: What does the surname Bertel mean?
The last name Bertel is of Germanic origin, and is derived from "Berhtel," which is composed of two elements: berht, meaning "bright," and hwaet, meaning "important." The name itself reflects a sense of pride, honour and loyalty, and would have referred to one who was strong and resilient.
The name is primarily found throughout the German-speaking areas of Europe, although variants of this name can be found in other countries. There are several religious, cultural and historical uses associated with the name Bertel. For instance, in the early part of the Christian era, names based on the Germanic elements berhtwa were frequently used to allude to Christ, making it a popular name among the religious and devout. In addition, the name is associated with the Northern Germanic god Baldur because of its similarity in meaning.
Throughout history, the name Bertel has been adopted by a wide range of people with a variety of struggles. As a result, it has come to represent many different values, such as strength in adversity, honour and resilience. Additionally, the name has been used to indicate a legacy of bravery and moral fortitude.
Order DNA origin analysisBertel: Where does the name Bertel come from?
The Bertel surname can be found in many countries across the world today. Its origins are believed to come from Germany, where records suggest it was first used in the early 17th century. It is particularly common in countries such as Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, and Canada. It may have also been adopted by families who migrated from other regions of Europe, such as Italy and Greece, during the 19th century.
In the United States, the Bertel surname is well-documented in the Graham-Bertel family, a southern American family whose history dates back to the Revolutionary War period. Records show the family’s ancestors relocated to Tennessee and then Virginia in the late 1700s, before eventually settling in extreme southwestern Virginia. Today, the family is widely dispersed throughout the United States, with many known to reside in the Virginia/Tennessee area.
In Canada, Bertel families can often be found primarily in the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The earliest records of their presence there date back to the mid-1800s, when many families emigrated from Europe and other parts of the world.
Throughout the world today, there are many Bertel families that are still connected to the bold legacy of their ancestors. From northern Europe to North America, the Bertel name is a strong testament to the resilience of their family’s heritage.
Variations of the surname Bertel
The surname Bertel is of German origin and can have several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These can include:
Berthel, Bertell, Bertholt, Berthold, Bertholtz, Birtel, Birtle, Bertall, Bertele, Burkhardt, Brethold, Bretholt, Beretha, and Bertha.
The variant Berthel is derived from Old German words meaning “bright” and “focused”; it was also a given name before becoming a surname. It is especially popular in Austrian-speaking areas, as well as Germany.
The variant Bertell is the earliest recorded variant of the surname Bertel and has been found in records from the late 14th century. It is also a combination of the Old German words beraht (“bright”) and waltan (“to rule”), and it is found primarily in German-speaking areas and the United States.
The variant Bertholt is also a compound of the two Old German words, and is primarily found in Germany. It is a popular variant of the surname, and there are even variations of this version, including “Bertholtz” or “Berthold” with the “z.”
Variants such as “Birtel” or “Birtle” can be found in German-speaking countries, particularly eastern Germany. There are many variations of this surname, such as “Bertall” or “Bertele”.
The surname was carried over to many parts of the world and became popular in the United States; from there, the surnames Burkhardt, Brethold, and Bretholt were derived. In parts of England, Spanish-influenced forms of the name, such as Beretha and Bertha, were adopted.
Regardless of how the surname looks or is spelled, the origin remains the same; it is a German name that combines the words for “bright” and “focused.”
Famous people with the name Bertel
- Justin Bertel: American professional beach volleyball player
- Bjarne Bertelsen: Danish author and publicist
- Andreas Bertel: German author and archaeologist
- Mats Bertel: Swedish singer-songwriter
- Fredrik Bertel: Danish sailor who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Martinus Mathias Rørbye Bertel: Danish sculptor
- Søren Klint Bertel: Danish sculptor
- Grete Bertel: Danish film actress
- Léonard de Bérthollet: French chemist
- August Wilhelm von Hofmann: German pioneer in the fields of organic chemistry and chemical intermediates