Ritzel

The name Ritzel, Germanic in origin, spelling variations may include: Ritz, Ritzel, Ritzenberg, Ritze, Ritzen, Ritzer.

Ritzel may be of patronymic origin, derived from the first name of the father. The name Ritzel would indicate the "son of Ritzel," a pet form of either Richard or Heinrich. The personal name Richard is derived from the Old High German word "rihhi" meaning power or rule, and "hardus" meaning hard, brave, or strong. Heinrich comes from either the Old High German word "hagan" meaning enclosure or hedged in place or "heim or haim" meaning home or settlement. The second part derived from "rihhi." The name may also be of locative origin, from the geographical feature near the bearer once lived or held land. The toponym Ritzel is derived from the Old High German word "hriot" meaning reeds, and thus the name would indicate "one who dwelled near a reedy or swampy place."

First found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area.

Some of the first settlers of this name or some of its variants where: settlers who travelled to the New World and established themselves along the eastern seaboard of the United States in Canada in the 18th and 19th centuries.