Valsler

This very rare and interesting surname is a variant of Walzer, which is of German origin, and is from a nickname for a person who liked to dance, derived from the German "walzer", to roll, revolve, waltz. This is an example of that sizeable group of early European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames. The nicknames were given in the first instance with reference to a variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, supposed resemblance to an animal's or bird's appearance or disposition, habits of dress, and occupation. In the case of Valsler, the second "l" is excrescent, and was probably added on as the name developed. The modern surname can be found throughout Europe as Walzer, Walser, Valser, Welser and Velser, while Valsler is only found recorded in Kent. Among the recordings in Kent are the marriage of William Henry Valsler and Eliza Warren on November 20th 1831, at St. Nicholas', Rochester, and the christening of James Robert, son of James and Ann Valsler, on April 12th 1835, also at St. Nicholas', Rochester. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Lucas Welser, which was dated 1449, marriage to Ursula Laugingen, at Augsburg, Schwaben, Bayern, Germany, during the reign of Frederick 111, "Holy Roman Emperor", 1440 - 1493. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.