wachtel

Wachtel is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "wachtel," meaning "quail." The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who was a hunter of quails or perhaps possessed characteristics associated with the bird, such as being small or quick.

Notable individuals with the surname Wachtel include:

* Ernst Wachtel (born 1957) is a German author and activist.

* Haim Watzman (born 1950), an American-Israeli writer and editor, was born with the surname Wachtel.

* Robert Wachtel (born 1950) is an American film producer and distributor.

The surname is found in various German-speaking countries and has spread to other parts of the world through migration. Like many occupational or descriptive surnames, it reflects the historical occupations and characteristics of its early bearers. The distribution of the Wachtel surname can provide insights into historical migration patterns and settlement areas of German-speaking populations. While the primary origin is German, variations or similar-sounding names might exist in other linguistic contexts, though the direct etymological link points to German.