Surname Oppl - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Oppl: What does the surname Oppl mean?
The last name Oppl is of German origin. It is derived from the German given name 'Oppel', which is a variant of the Hebrew name 'Abel', meaning breath or vapour. The Oppl surname is typically found in south-eastern Bavaria, especially Upper Franconia, where it is among the more frequent surnames.
Oppel is a diminutive of 'Opel', meaning 'son/heir of Abel'. The surname is shared among several aristocratic German families in various provinces. It is likely that the Oppl (or Oppel) name was adopted by families who were part of the lower nobility or simply commoners of upper Franconian heritage.
The Oppl surname is also found in some Austrian areas, where the same ancient noble family had migrated. Many members of the Oppl family had important posts in the service of their countries, such as military officers or courtiers. It is likely that the same family also gave rise to the Oppenheim and Oppermann surnames.
Today, the Oppl surname is fairly widespread in certain parts of Bavaria and Austria, and there are many families of this surname who also live in the United States and elsewhere around the world. It is likely that the Oppl family heritage will remain alive for many generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisOppl: Where does the name Oppl come from?
The last name Oppl is most commonly found in areas of Central Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, and Hungary. It is a German surname, derived from the Old German word “oben,” meaning “above” or “over.” The addition of “-pl” to this root then creates a suffix meaning “place,” indicating the origin of the name as a locale description.
The name Oppl is typically found in rural areas of its traditional stronghold. As such, there may be higher concentrations of the surname in the rural parts of Germany, Austria, and Hungary than in their cities. There may also be some individuals with Oppl as a surname or part of their name in neighboring countries with German-speaking communities as well.
Outside of Central Europe, the surname is much less common. It has likely been used in the United States, due to immigration from these areas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, these individuals likely changed the spelling to the more Americanized spelling of “Opl.” As such, it may still be found today, but in much lower frequencies.
Variations of the surname Oppl
The surname Oppl is typically an Austrian one although it is also occasionally found in other parts of Germany. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:
Oppel - This was the original spelling of the surname Oppl and can be found as far back as the 17th century in Austria.
Oppell - This is a variant of Oppel and was used as early as the 17th century in Austria.
Opell - This variation of the name shows up in records from the 18th century.
Hoppel - This is a variant spelling which is more commonly found in Germany.
Hoppel - This spelling of the surname is also commonly found in Germany and is believed to have been used interchangeably with Hoppel.
Hoppl - This is another variant that is primarily found in Germany.
Opplinger - This is a German surname which is believed to be of the same origin as Oppl.
Oppil - This spelling was occasionally used in Austria in the 18th century.
Oppill - This variant is rarely used.
Opplatner - This German surname has been used interchangeably with Oppl, and is believed to be of the same origin.
Oppler - This is a German variant of the surname Oppl.
Opplin - This variant was used in the 19th century in Austria.
Opplo - This variant is rarely seen.
Opel - This variant was used as far back as the 17th century in Austria.
Opelmann - This is a German version of the surname Oppl.
Famous people with the name Oppl
- Oswald Oppl (German painter, 1903-1970)
- Julius Oppl (Austrian painter, 1864-1945)
- Freddie Oppl (American jazz-folk singer-songwriter, active since 2006)
- Vilma Oppl (Austrian actress, television presenter, and radio host)
- Jeff Oppl (American former Major League Soccer player)
- Amadeu Antonio Oppl (Brazilian footballer)
- Martin Oppl (Austrian composer, conductor and arranger)
- Alfons Oppl (a nineteenth to early twentieth century Austrian engineer)
- Alexander Oppl (Austrian actor and director)
- Marie Oppl (Austrian sport shooter)
- Leopold Oppl (Austrian publisher and author)
- Timo Oppl (German artist)
- Emmerich Oppl (founder of the publishing house Wilhelm Braumüller, in Vienna, in 1819)
- Meinrad Oppl (German boxer)
- Alfred Oppl (Austrian architect)
- Rudolf Oppl (Austrian civil engineer)
- Wolfgang Oppl (Austrian translator and editor)
- Martin Oppl (German football coach and former player)
- Victor Oppl (American former professional football player)
- Christine Oppl (Austrian lawyer and politician)