Surname Massel - Meaning and Origin

Massel: What does the surname Massel mean?

The last name Massel doesn't have a commonly accepted meaning as it appears to be rare and its origin is not clearly documented. It might be of French origin or derived from a German word "mass" meaning "measure". However, it could also be variant of the Jewish surname Massel, which is associated with a nickname or occupational name, from Yiddish ‘masl’ meaning ‘luck’, ‘fortune’. It's also possible that it may have regional or location-based significance. The meaning of surnames can depend on their cultural, regional, or linguistic origins, and without a clearly defined origin, it is difficult to provide a precise definition for the name Massel.

Massel: Where does the name Massel come from?

Today, the last name Massel is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the German-speaking countries of Austria and Switzerland. It is also present in countries around the world, including Canada, the United States, and Argentina, as well as in other parts of Europe such as Belgium and Italy.

The origin of the name Massel is believed to be German and is thought to have derived from the word "masse" which means "to measure or command". There have been several derivations of the name throughout German-speaking countries, including Masseler, Massele, Maselle, Massele, and Massen.

In the United States, Massel is especially prevalent in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other Mid-Atlantic states. It is often found among families of German-American or Mennonite descent, whose ancestors likely immigrated to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, Massel is not a particularly common name; however, it is one that retains a specially German background wherever it is found. Those with the name can trace it back to a long and fascinating history of migrants, wars, and other changes which have occurred along the way.

Variations of the surname Massel

The surname Massel is a patronymical name, derived from the given name Matse, a variation of the Hebrew name Matityahu, known as Matthew in English.

Variant spellings of Massel include Massal, Masal, Masalas, Massele, Masselle, Masil, Massell, Massello, Masala, Massela, Massella, Masulla, Masile, Masill, and Masola. The name is also spelled variations of Mashael and Maschale, for those with Sephardic ancestry.

Variations in other languages have been noted, including the German Maschl, the Dutch Masseling, the French Maselle, the Italian Mascelli, the Spanish Mesell, and the Polish Malasi. These international variations often resulted from the difficulties of pronunciation among immigrants’ ancestors, particularly in the early days of immigration.

Surnames from the same origin but that have evolved separately include Mesler, Moselle, Moscal, Mescal, and Mussel. The surname Masson is also related, having evolved from a French nickname for a man who build walls.

Massel is generally a surname associated with the Jewish faith, although there have been some departures from the faith over time which have resulted in name changes.

Famous people with the name Massel

• Abraham Massel (1896-?), American Christian proselytizer who organized congregations in Europe and Palestine
• Dave Massel (1952-?), Canadian musician and radio DJ
• Dina Massel (1918-2005), Israeli film, television and theater actress
• James Massel (1928-?), American actor, theater director and educator
• Mark Massel (1959-2016), Canadian nordic ski coach
• Meir Massel (1912-1981), Israeli public figure and agricultural expert
• Nachman Massel (1921-1994), Israeli chemist
• Roberto Massel (1943-?), American writer and sculptor
• Rosemary Massel (1928-2012), English stage and film actress
• Saul Massel (1922-2006), British-based Israeli civil engineer

Other surnames

MassecarMassenMassey