Find out how popular the first name Wendel has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wendel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Wendel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wendel.

The history of the first name Wendel

The name Wendel has its origins in the Germanic language family, derived from the Old High German word "wandil," which means "to wander" or "to roam." It is believed to have emerged as a personal name during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions of present-day Germany and the Low Countries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wendel can be found in the 9th century, when it was mentioned in the Codex Laureshamensis, a medieval manuscript from the Lorsch Abbey in Germany. This document contains a list of landowners and tenants, including individuals with the name Wendel.

In the 12th century, a Benedictine monk named Wendel (or Wendelinus) lived in the region of Trier, Germany. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, and his feast day is celebrated on October 20th. According to legend, Wendel was known for his piety and his ability to perform miracles, particularly related to the protection of crops and livestock.

Another notable figure with the name Wendel was Wendel Hipler (1465-1526), a German humanist and theologian from Strasbourg. He was a prominent figure in the early years of the Protestant Reformation and a close associate of Martin Luther.

In the 17th century, Wendel Dietrich (1623-1689) was a German architect and military engineer who worked for various princes and nobility in the Holy Roman Empire. He is particularly known for his contributions to the design and fortification of cities and castles.

During the 19th century, Wendel Hibler (1811-1881) was a German-American pioneer and carpenter who settled in Wisconsin. He is credited with building one of the first frame houses in the city of Milwaukee and played a significant role in the early development of the area.

As the name Wendel spread throughout Europe and beyond, it has taken on various spellings and variations, such as Wendell, Wendelin, and Wendelinus. However, its underlying meaning and association with wandering or roaming have remained consistent throughout its historical usage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Wendel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wendel, please contact us.

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