Very simple, really: "MAR" is short for Marsh (March in German) and "THAL" is obviously the old writing of TAL = valley in English. So, Marthaler means Marsh-Valley..... As a lot of Marthalers originate from the Niederhasli area it seems quite logical, as there is a "Riet" quite nearby I believe.... I was born in Zurich but live in Asia for more than 30 years (HONG KONG now): waltermarthaler@yahoo.com
(Eingesendet von Walter Marthaler, Hong Kong)