Surname Hirschel - Meaning and Origin
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Hirschel: What does the surname Hirschel mean?
The surname Hirschel is a German name. It is derived from the Middle High German word "herschal" (originally hirscalam), meaning "stag", or more specifically, a "noble stag". This comes from the Old High German "heri" ("army") and "scal" ("shield"), which suggests someone of noble descent or with strong protective qualities.
The name Hirschel was most likely taken as a surname by a family possessing the traits of a noble stag – representing strength, pride, and nobility. Alternately, it may have been adopted to honor a local fabled deer or favored hunting quarry.
The last name Hirschel is not as common as it once was. As anti-semitism and persecution of Jewish people rose in Europe in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many families with this name changed it to less recognizable local forms. Examples include Herschel, Hurshal, Hirsel, and Hirschendorf.
Today, the Hirschel surname is most common in Germany, but can be found throughout Europe and the United States. In the U.S., many of the people with the Hirschel name are descended from Jewish refugees who fled to the United States in the early 20th century.
Order DNA origin analysisHirschel: Where does the name Hirschel come from?
The surname Hirschel is mainly found in Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking countries such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg. Although there are a few people bearing the surname located in the United States, United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe, the last name was most likely adopted in the 1700s–1800s by German immigrants.
In Germany, the last name is quite common, especially in regions around Bavaria and the Rhineland. Today, a majority of people named Hirschel live in cities such as Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Munich, and Frankfurt. There are also people bearing the last name found in Austria, as well as in some parts of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg.
There is a high concentration of people named Hirschel living in Germany, with at least 2,423 living in the country today. Fewer numbers occur in the United States, with only 192 reported people carrying the last name. In addition, people named Hirschel can also be found in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, amongst many other countries.
The surname most likely has Jewish origins, however, it is also believed to be a variant of the Germanic personal name "Hirsch," which means deer. Today, the surname is most commonly associated with German or Austrian heritage and would have been adopted by European migrants during the 1700s-1800s.
Variations of the surname Hirschel
The surname Hirschel is a form of the surname Hirsch, which is of German origin and is derived from the Yiddish word “hirsh,” meaning deer. The spelling variations of this surname include Hirsche, Herschel, Hersch, Herch, Hirschl, Inching, Herz, and Herzl.
Hirschel is also believed to be a variant of the surname Herschel, which is of both Anglo-Saxon and Jewish origin. This name originated as an Anglo-Saxon personal name, and it was adopted by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Here, the surname Herschel derived from the Yiddish word “hersh,” meaning deer. Variants and spellings of this surname include Hersch, Herschel, Herch, Hirschl, Inching, Herz, and Herzl.
Hirschel may also be a form of the surname Herzog, which is of German origin and is derived from the medieval terms “Heer” and “See” meaning army and sea, respectively. The spelling variations of this surname include Herzog, Herzo, Hercog, and Herszog.
Hirschel may also be a variant of the surname Hurst, which originates from Old English and is derived from “hyrst,” meaning woods. The spelling variations of this surname include Hurst, Hurste, Hearst, Hearste, and Hearsty.
Finally, the surname Hirschel may be a variant of the surname Hirshman, which is of Jewish origin and is derived from the Yiddish word “hirsh,” meaning deer. Variants and spellings of this surname include Hirshman, Hershman, Herzman, Herszman, and Hirschman.
Famous people with the name Hirschel
- Ali Hirschel: German-American photographer, best known for her portraits of the LGBTQ community.
- Arnold Hirschel: German-born Israeli political figure and prominent lawyer, served from 1950-59 as a member of the Israeli Knesset.
- Andy Hirschel: Former professional ice hockey player for the AHL's Nashville Knights.
- Arthur Hirschel: German general during World War II and also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
- Abigail Hirschel: American abstract muralist and sculptor.
- Andrea Hirschel: Austrian politician and member of the National Council of Austria.
- Charlie Hirschel: American silent film comedian and actor.
- Jean-Claude Hirschel: French diplomat who served as France's Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2006-2010.
- Joe Hirschel: Canadian former professional ice hockey player.
- Kiko Hirschhel: American comedy writer and actor, credited for writing several episodes of NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien.