Surname Eikel - Meaning and Origin
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Eikel: What does the surname Eikel mean?
The last name Eikel is a German surname, believed to have derived from the Middle High German word "eikel" meaning "a pine-conifer cone,” and typically associated with the word "eichel" meaning "acorn.”
The name Eikel is thought to have been given to those individuals whose profession or hobby was related to pine-conifer cones. Some possible professions and hobbies include those of the lumber industry, maple syrup production, and medicinal herbalism. It could also mean that the person is related to a family who owns pine-conifer woodlands, thus making this an occupational name related to a particular family's business.
It is possible for this name to also be derived from a place or region where numerous pine-conifer trees were common. Specifically, Eikel could have been used to designate people who lived in certain regions of Germany where pine-conifer trees were abundant.
Finally, it is possible that the name was given originally to those individuals who lived in or near a prominent settlement associated with pine trees. A hypothetical example might be a family who resided in or near a forest that was known for its abundant variety of pine-conifer trees. Such an example would be a family who resided near a small village called Eikel.
No matter the origin of the Eikel name, it is steeped in history and is believed to be indicative of individuals who have a unique appreciation or relationship with nature, particularly related to pine-conifer trees and the products, hobbies, and professions associated with them.
Order DNA origin analysisEikel: Where does the name Eikel come from?
The last name Eikel is a German-origin surname that was typically found in the Ruhr region of Germany prior to World War II. The Ruhr region is now located in North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state in Germany. The name Eikel itself is derived from the German word "eichel," which means "acorn."
Today, many descendants of the original Eikel family have moved away from the Ruhr region, but the last name remains common in this area. It is estimated that over 1,000 people in the area carry the surname, making it one of the most prominent local family names in North Rhine Westphalia.
Outside of Germany, the Eikel family name is still found in areas of Europe, North America, and Australia that are all linked to German immigration. For example, in the United States, the surname Eikel is most commonly found in the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio, where there is a large population of German-Americans.
In Australia, the Eikel surname is most common in New South Wales, with a large number of the family name listing their birthplace in the area. Additionally, smaller numbers of Eikels can be found in the United Kingdom, Canada, and South Africa.
Overall, the last name Eikel is still very much alive, with strong populations in both its original homeland of Germany and in other countries throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Eikel
The variant and spellings of the surname Eikel include Eickel, Eikelmann, Eickholt, Eichel, Eickermann, Eickemeyer, Eikmann, Eickels, Eiko, and Eykelmann.
The surname Eikel is derived from the Anglo-Saxon language, and is a type of surname found most commonly in the Netherlands. The English equivalent of the name Eikel is Oakley. The name has traditionally been used to denote the connection of an ancestor to the local woods and oak trees, usually in a professional capacity like foresting or carpentry.
In Germany, the variant form of the name is Eickel. This spelling is most likely derived from the Middle High German word "eichel," meaning "acorn" or "oak leaf." The German spelling is most commonly found in the states of Hesse or Brandenburg.
In other areas of Central Europe, the surname Eikelmann may be used, which is a cognate of the German spelling Eickelmann. The Eikelmann spelling is most likely derived from the German term "Eichelmann," which can refer to someone living in the oak woods or being related to the woodlands in some way. Eickholt is another variant spelling of the name, and is most commonly found in the southwestern parts of Germany.
In the Netherlands, the surname Eichel is used in replacement of the Anglo-Saxon spelling of Eikel. This spelling indicates a connection to the Dutch word "eikel," which means "acorn." The Dutch surname Eickemeyer is believed to be derived from the Old Dutch word "eikel," as well. The surname is most commonly found in the Dutch province of Hanover.
Other Dutch surnames used in place of Eikel include Eikmann, Eickels, Eiko, and Eykelmann. These variants are used to indicate a connection to the forests and woodlands in the area. Eikmann and Eiko are specifically used in reference to the oaks of the Dutch forests.
Overall, the surname Eikel is derived from the Anglo-Saxon language and has a variety of variant spellings. It is mostly found in the Netherlands, Germany, and other Central European countries, and is typically linked to either the nearby woods and oak trees or a professional capacity in foresting or carpentry.
Famous people with the name Eikel
- Mathias Eikel: German film director and producer
- Maria Eikel: Dutch entrepreneur and former television presenter
- Kari Eikel: Norwegian world champion cross-country skier
- Ingrid Eikel: German figure skater
- Hans Eikel: Dutch philosopher
- Martin Eikel: German football coach and former player
- Monika Eikel: German high jumper and Olympic silver medalist
- Christopher Eikel: Swiss inventor and entrepreneur
- Else Eikel: Norwegian hurdler and Olympic gold medalist
- Karsten Eikel: German-Norwegian tennis player