Mysel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Mysel

What does the name Mysel mean?

From the historical and enchanting region of Austria emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Mysel family. Originally, the Austrian people were known only by a single name. The process by which hereditary surnames were adopted in Austria is extremely interesting. Surnames evolved during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name Mysel is a nickname type of surname derived from the German word maus, which means mouse, and was given to a person thought to bear some resemblance to the timid animal.

Early Origins of the Mysel family

The surname Mysel was first found in Austria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. The name's literal meaning is "mouse catcher," or in some variations "small mouse," and stemms from the Latin form "Musculus." Chronicles first mention Ulrich Mueselin of Bamberg in 1147, Chunrich Meusel of Tirol in 1381, and L. Meisl, also of Tirol, in 1573. Gosswin Meuser is mentioned in 1268. The various branches declared allegiance to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were enlisted by many leaders in their search for power.

Early History of the Mysel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mysel research. Another 176 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1514, 1770, 1775, 1807 and 1853 are included under the topic Early Mysel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mysel Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Mysel include Maeusel, Meusel, Meussel, Meuser, Mauser, Mauserer, Maueser and many more.

Early Notables of the Mysel family

During this period prominent bearers of the name Mysel were Andreas Musculus (his real name was Meusel) (1514-81), who was an influential theologian and staunch supporter of Martin Luther. Karl...
Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Mysel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Mysel family

After the First World War, Austria became a republic. The Treaty of Versailles broke up the empire in 1919 and many of the Sudeten Germans were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia. In the 20th century, many Austrians migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Mysel were Hans Michael Mauser, who emigrated to Philadelphia with his wife Agatha Gomminger and six children in 1751. Matheus Mauser had preceded them, arriving in Philadelphia in 1732. Juno Gottlieb Mauser came to New Orleans in 1820. Peter Meisel came to America in 1782.