I have a character named
Wenzel that I’m going to rename, because I’ve heard
Wenzel isn’t a very “handsome” name in Germany. What do you think of
Wendel as a replacement? Any negative connotations in Europe?
The character is a charming wandering minstrel/spy, so the meaning of “wanderer” would fit. Of course, this website says
Wendel means “a Wend”, but my Chambers Dictionary of Etymology says Wanderen means “to wander” in Middle Low
German and Middle Dutch, and I know Wandelen means “to walk” in Dutch. I’ve seen other websites that say
Wendel means “wanderer”, too. Which is correct?
Thanks for all your help!
Karen