Surname Heimel - Meaning and Origin
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Heimel: What does the surname Heimel mean?
The last name Heimel is German in origin and is derived from the words heim, meaning “home”, and el, meaning “of God.” Taken together, Heimel can be interpreted to mean something along the lines of “home of God” or “of the blessed home.”
Heimel is often found throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and those with the last name can trace their roots back to this region of Europe. It has also spread to many other countries around the world with German-speaking populations, such as the United States and Canada.
In terms of etymology, the surname Heimel may be related to the Middle High German hile and hileman, both meaning “dweller near a hill”. This may suggest that early bearers of the surname were those who lived near hills or were from a hilltop settlement.
The surname may also be related to a place named Hainem, which was located in the bishopric of Bamberg, Germany. Heimel may have been derived from the name of this place or a village near it.
In 1926, the book “Deutschland-Heimel: Ein Band der Ahnenforschung” was published, which contained information on Heimels in Germany and the surrounding areas. It is estimated that there are currently around 5,000 people with the surname Heimel around the world, many of whom are spread throughout the US, Canada, the UK, France, and other parts of Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisHeimel: Where does the name Heimel come from?
The last name Heimel is most common today in Germany and Austria, with an estimated 15,000 people bearing the name in those countries alone. In terms of global population, the name is most common in Germany, followed by Austria, Canada, and the United States. Within the US, Heimel is particularly common in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Dakota.
The name Heimel is thought to be derived from a Middle German word meaning “home” or “village.” This suggests that the Heimel family may have originally been from one particular area, and over time spread to different parts of Europe and beyond. The name itself is associated with farming communities and peasantry lifestyles, likely in part due to its old German roots.
The spelling of the name can also vary, depending on the region it is found in. In some cases it may be spelled with a double “m” as in Heimmel, and in other areas with a single “m” as in Heimel. Other variations such as Heimle and Heiml have also been reported.
Today, the surname Heimel is very notable, featuring prominently in some of the world’s most prominent organizations. From politicians such as former Austrian Chancellor Franz Vranitzky to priests such as Reverend Peter Heimel, many successful people have carried the Heimel name. It is a symbol for strength and resilience, a testament to the power of the Heimel family’s ability to prosper, no matter the odds.
Variations of the surname Heimel
The variants, spellings, and surnames of Heimel are Heim, Heimann, Heimel, Heimlich, Heymele, Heymerman, Heymer, Heym, Heirman, Hehmele, Hehmke, Haim, and Hahm.
The surname 'Heimel' is German in origin. It can be traced back to medieval Germany when some people adopted the last names of their local lords. 'Heimel' is derived from 'Heim', the German word for 'home' or 'house'. It is likely that an ancestor of the Heimel had close ties to a lord's home, thus adopting the name to signify their connection.
The spelling of 'Heimel' has changed over time, fuelling its numerous variants. 'Heim' and 'Heimlich' are two German versions of the surname, while 'Heymele' is a common Dutch spelling, and 'Heymer' is a more recent Anglicized form.
The surnames 'Heirman' and 'Hahm' are linked to the Heimel surname. 'Heirman' is Dutch in origin and is derived from the combination of two German words; 'heim', meaning home, and 'mann', implying a male. 'Hahm' is a Middle Low German spelling of 'Heim' and was the most common form in the Netherlands until the 18th century.
Ultimately, all these spellings, surnames and variants of Heimel come from a common origin; 'heim', the German word for 'home'. Heimel's oldest known ancestor can be traced back to medieval Germany, when the surname was adopted to signify close ties to a lord's home.
Famous people with the name Heimel
- Paul Heimel, an Austrian author and translator best known for his novels and plays.
- Friedrich Wilhelm Heimel, a 19th century German astronomer and mathematician who dedicated his life to the study of the heavens.
- Susan Heimel, an American author and humorist who wrote many books and magazine columns on love, sex, marriage, and relationships.
- Edward Heimel, a Hollywood actor who often portrayed villains in films during the 1940s and 1950s.
- Eric Heimel, a Swiss soccer goalkeeper who played professionally from 1969-1981.
- Alan Heimel, an American writer and television correspondent who worked with CBS and later wrote books about his experiences.
- Alfred Heimel, an Austrian painter, printmaker, and illustrator known for his whimsical and surreal landscapes.
- Mary Heimel, an American singer, songwriter, and actress who had a short but successful career in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Karl Heimel, a German conductor and composer who composed operas and wrote many chamber works.
- Frank Heimel, a German visual artist who was known for his abstract manifestations of emotions and notions.