Surname Fortwangler - Meaning and Origin
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Fortwangler: What does the surname Fortwangler mean?
The surname Fortwangler comes from German origin and is derived from a combination of two words, "fort" and "wangler". The word "fort" is derived from the Old French word for strong or powerful, while "wangler" is derived from the verb to wander or to meander. Combined, the surname Fortwangler translates to one who has a great strength of will and determination to wander or meander.
The surname has been historically associated with strong minded individuals who didn't stay in one place for long, with a need to explore, break free from confinements and be free-spirited. Historically, people with this surname were known to be independent, curious and unconventional with a desire to travel or explore a range of opportunities.
Today, the surname Fortwangler remains a signifier of an independent and bold mindset, as well as a fascination with travelling and exploration. It remains a strong reminder of the unconventionality and resilience necessary to reach the unknown and to venture into the unknown. Simply put, the surname Fortwangler is a testament to those who exhibit determination, independent-thinking and a desire to voyage.
Order DNA origin analysisFortwangler: Where does the name Fortwangler come from?
The last name Fortwangler is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the state of Thuringia. This surname is thought to have originated from the Middle Ages when it may have been an occupational name for people working at a fort or castle. The earliest known written evidence of the family name comes from the 16th century in the region of Thuringia, in what is now part of modern-day Germany.
The Fortwangler family is also found in Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and other German-speaking countries as well as the United States. In the United States, it is most common in Pennsylvania. As of 2020, the Fortwangler surname is found in 14 of the 50 states and is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, Texas, and California. In the United Kingdom, the name is more common in the North West of England.
Today, there are numerous variations of the Fortwangler name around the world, including Fortwangler, Fortwangle, Fortwengler, and Fortwaengler. It is thought that more than a thousand living people bear this last name today, and the number is continuing to grow.
Variations of the surname Fortwangler
Variant spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Fortwangler include Fortwanger, Fortwengler, Fordtwangler, Fordtwengler, Foughtwanger, Foughtwengler, Furtwanger, and Furtwengler. As with most surnames, the various spellings have arisen based on centuries of randomly copied records that often lacked standardized spelling conventions.
The surname Fortwangler can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Germany, where it is derived from the Old German word for “fort” or “stronghold” and the German word for “wangle,” or to turn. It was most likely originally used as a nickname or job title of someone involved in the military defense of a fortress. It is a fairly uncommon surname but there is still a Fortwangler lineage that can be traced back to the 13th century in the small town of Vaihingen, Germany.
Fortwangler is also a variant spelling of the more common surname Furstwangler. While Furstwangler is related to Fortwangler, it is not necessarily its direct descendant, as it is derived from “fürst” or “prince,” and the word for “wangle.” In other words, it could have been used as a name for someone involved in the security of a royal household or a ruler himself.
In America, many of the Fortwanglers moved in the 1700s to Pennsylvania and Ohio. The surname can be found mainly around Texas and Michigan, where the Fortwanglers settled during the 1800s. Over time, these different lines of Fortwanglers likely intermarried and there are now several branches of Furstwanglers in the United States.
Famous people with the name Fortwangler
- Wilhelm Furtwängler (1886–1954): German conductor and composer, considered to be one of the greatest conductors and musicians of the 20th century.
- Carl August Furtwängler (1845–1908): German pathologist noted for his research in cell biology, particularly for his discovery of phagocytosis.
- Otto Furtwängler (1856–1938): German painter famous for his landscape and portrait paintings.
- Klaus Furtwängler (1909–1984): German jurist, noted as the President of the Federal Constitutional Court of West Germany (1973–1979) and also served as an additional judge at the International Court of Justice (1973–1984).
- Rudolf Furtwängler (1886–1954): Viennese neurologist, noted for his research on cerebral palsy, movement disorders and in brain pathology.
- Rebecca Furtwängler (1845–1906): German singer and concert pianist, best known for her lieder performances.
- Wilhelm Furtwängler Jr. (1912–1945): German composer of orchestral and chamber music, best known for his orchestral works.
- Friedrich Furtwängler (1853–1907): German philologist and educator, noted for his studies in the poet Goethe and his research in Germanic studies.
- Sabine Furtwängler (1902– 1996): German art historian and author of several books in art, including Women Pioneers in the Visual Arts.
- Hans Furtwängler (1781– 1820): Austrian composer known for his compositions of sacred music.