Wiesel

Wiesel is a surname of German origin. The name derives from the German word Wiesel, meaning “weasel.” It is found among German-speaking populations and in Ashkenazi Jewish communities, where it has been adopted as a family name.

The most prominent bearer of the name is Elie Wiesel (1928–2016), a Romanian-born Jewish writer and Holocaust survivor who became a leading voice on memory, ethics, and human rights. His memoir Night recounts his experiences during the Holocaust, and his many later works address the moral responsibilities of individuals and communities in the face of oppression. In 1986 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to combat genocide and his advocacy for human rights worldwide.

Beyond Elie Wiesel, the surname is carried by other individuals across various fields. The name’s origins in the German language reflect a common pattern of surnames derived from animals or animals’ names, a connection that appears in multiple Jewish and Germanic family names.