Detwiler
A Germanic surname probably meaning someone from a place called Dettweiler or a related village name.
The #6,918 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 63,672 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Detwiler is generally understood as a German locational surname, most likely referring to someone who came from a place named Dettweiler, Detweiler, or a similar village in the German-speaking world. The second element is related to German "Weiler," meaning a small settlement or hamlet. The first element is less certain and may come from a local place-name element rather than a transparent everyday word.
History
The surname is found among German-speaking families and later became established in North America, especially among descendants of German immigrants. In the United States it is often associated with Pennsylvania German and related migrant communities. Spellings varied as families moved between German and English writing systems.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Surnames ending in -weiler often point to a tiny settlement, so names like Detwiler can preserve the memory of a very specific ancestral village.