Surname Ettel - Meaning and Origin
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Ettel: What does the surname Ettel mean?
The origin of the surname Ettel is German, derived from several distinct areas within the German-speaking world. It is likely derived from a nickname pertaining to a person's characteristics comprising of the words "ette" meaning "little", and "el" meaning "noble". In the middle ages, various forms of the surname were found in the regions of Prussia and Saxony.
The earliest documentation of the surname Ettel in Germany dates back to 1202, where it was mentioned in records of Otto Gebhardi Ettel as coming from the family from the upper class located in Stuttgart. The form of the surname varied from location to location, as the structure of surnames shifted during the beginning of the 19th century.
Today, individuals with the surname Ettel are primarily found in Spain, Mexico, Germany, and Austria. It is believed that the German-speaking immigrants were the ones to carry the surname to America during the time of immigration to the New World in the 19th century.
In modern times, the surname has become quite widespread and is held by people from many countries, cultures, and different backgrounds. It would appear that the meaning associated with Ettel has changed over time to represent status and success, likely due to the collective success of the individuals that have held the surname throughout the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisEttel: Where does the name Ettel come from?
The last name Ettel is quite popular in certain parts of Europe today. It can be found in countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. It is also widespread in Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
In Germany, the spellings "Ettel" and "Ettl" are both most common and can be found in various parts of the country. In Switzerland, both spellings are also popular and can be found throughout the country. In Austria, the most prevalent spelling is "Ettl". The same is true for the Czech Republic.
In Scandinavia, the spelling "Ettel" is most common, though in Denmark and Norway both spellings are found. In Sweden, the "Ettel" spelling is much more commonplace.
All in all, the last name Ettel is very popular, and its presence can be felt in many parts of Europe. It is slightly more predominant in central and northern parts of the continent, though its presence is felt throughout Europe.
Variations of the surname Ettel
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Ettel include Eitel, Eitele, Eheteil, Eitell, Eheteil, Etel, Eller, Ettal, Ettle, and Ettleman. Variants such as Eitel, Eitele, and Eheteil are common German patronymic surnames derived from the German personal name Eitel, which itself derived from a diminutive or pet form of the Germanic given name Adalheidis. Variants such as Eitell, Ettle, and Ettleman are likely derived from the Middle High German eitel, meaning ‘joy, joyous’ or from Eidel, which is a pet form of the Germanic given name Adalheidis. Variants such as Etel, Eller, and Ettal are also predominantly German surnames derived from the Middle High German inhabitation or surname etella or the German placename Etelle, both of which are derived from the Old High German edil, meaning ‘noble one’. Ettal in particular was commonly used as a nickname for a nobleman, as it derived from the Middle High German phrase eten zule, meaning "noblesse oblige".
Famous people with the name Ettel
- Karl Ettel: Late German resistance fighter during WWII
- Richard Ettel: Renowned Austrian physician and botanist
- Karl Ettel: German chemist, inventor, and Nobel Prize winner
- Manfred Ettel: German classical pianist and composition instructor
- Lothar Ettel: German record-setting long-distance runner
- Barbara Ettel-Brunner: Swiss politician and former Parliamentary President
- Ulrich Ettel: German-Austrian geologist
- Erik Ettel: German actor
- Friedrich Ettel: German figurative sculptor
- Franz Ettel: Austrian-American businessman and retail entrepreneur