Wetzel is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'wetzel', which means 'little weasel'. It is believed to have been an occupational name for a trapper or hunter who specialized in catching weasels. The name is often found among people with German ancestry, but it has also spread to other countries over time. Variations of Wetzel include Wettstein, Wittstock, and Witsel.
"The name Wetzel experienced a notable peak in popularity with 11 births recorded in the year 1928. However, it seems to have been more commonly used around the mid-1930s to early 1940s, with an average of about 6 births per year during those decades. The total number of births with the name Wetzel from 1916 to 1965 is 181."