Find out how popular the last name Wurgler is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Wurgler.

Wurgler, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Wurgler surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wurgler in America

Wurgler is the 77522nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wurgler surname appeared 247 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Wurgler.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wurgler to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Wurgler

The surname Wurgler has its origins in Switzerland, a country known for its rich tapestry of cultural and linguistic influences. The name dates back to the medieval period, with the earliest records surfacing in the 13th century. Initially, this surname was localized around the canton of Bern, a region where Germanic linguistic elements were prominent.

The etymology of Wurgler suggests a connection to occupational or geographical characteristics. The surname is derived from the Middle High German word "wurgel," which refers to something coiled or a small winding path. Some variations or older spellings of the surname might include Wuerchler or Wuerkler, although these are less commonly found in historical documents.

The name Wurgler appears in historical manuscripts, trade records, and church registries from the 14th and 15th centuries. For example, an entry in a 1394 tax record from the canton of Bern lists an Ulrich Wurgler as a landowner, indicating the family's early involvement in farming or similar trades. The Domesday Book does not feature the name, as it primarily concerns England and not continental Europe.

One of the earliest documented individuals with the surname is Hans Wurgler, born in 1460, who was a noted mercenary in the Swiss Guard. Records indicate his involvement in several key battles during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, enhancing the family's reputation as skilled warriors.

In the 1600s, Johann Wurgler (born 1625, died 1683) became a prominent figure in the canton of Zurich. He was a successful merchant who expanded trade routes into Germany and Italy, contributing to the economic development of the region.

Another significant historical figure is Elisabeth Wurgler, born in 1690, known for her philanthropic work. She founded several charitable organizations in Bern, focusing on the welfare of women and children. Her efforts were widely recognized, and she is often cited in documents from that era for her contributions to social welfare.

By the 18th century, the name had spread across various Swiss cantons, with notable bearers such as Friedrich Wurgler, born in 1752, who became a respected academic and published several works on natural sciences. His research was influential and cited by many contemporaries, adding intellectual prestige to the Wurgler name.

The last notable figure is Karl Wurgler, born in 1820, a political figure who played a crucial role during the Swiss civil conflicts of the mid-19th century. He was instrumental in negotiating treaties that helped stabilize the region and is remembered for his diplomatic acumen.

The surname Wurgler thus spans centuries, each era marking the family's evolution from landowners and soldiers to merchants, philanthropists, academics, and politicians. Its rich history is embedded in the cultural and socio-economic fabric of Switzerland, reflecting a legacy of versatility and resilience.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wurgler

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Wurgler.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Wurgler was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Wurgler has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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