Surname Spielvogel - Meaning and Origin

Spielvogel: What does the surname Spielvogel mean?

The last name Spielvogel is a German name which literally translates to “play bird” or “game bird”. It can be taken to mean someone who is an avid player of games or enjoys having fun, due to the association of a sparrow or other cheerful bird.

The Spielvogel family does have a noble origin that can be traced back to the 13th century, when the Spielvogel family settled in what is current-day Sachsen, Germany. The name Spielvogel appears to have been derived from the place-name Spillwiese, which means “playing field”. This suggests that the family may have been game-keepers or even lords of a small manor.

Over the centuries, the Spielvogel name has spread and is now relatively widely distributed within Germany and other German-speaking countries. Those who bear the name are said to be confident, sociable, and highly creative, so the idea of a “play bird” is very apt.

Spielvogel is also the name of a scientific journal owned by Springer, which focuses on the field of game theory and mathematics. This emphasis on leisurely pursuits and mental stimulation also makes perfect sense given the name’s origins.

Overall, the name Spielvogel carries with it many connections to a vibrant and carefree past, as does many names that have travelled down through the ages. It is a reminder that life can and should at times be enjoyed with vigour and enthusiasm, and that success and joy can always be found amidst the games of life.

Spielvogel: Where does the name Spielvogel come from?

The last name Spielvogel is most commonly found throughout Germany, Austria, Estonia and Sweden, with much smaller populations being found in Switzerland and parts of France, the U.K. and the United States.

It is estimated that as many as 16,000 people have the last name Spielvogel in Germany alone, making it as one of the top 600 most common last names found throughout the country. It is also comparatively common in Austria, with an estimated 1,700 people having the name.

In terms of the U.S., it is estimated that there are a little more than 600 individuals in the country with Spielvogel as a last name. The name is much less common in the United States than it is in Germany, Austria or Estonia, and it is estimated to have peaked between 1940 and 1960.

Spielvogel is most commonly found as a surname, although there are people who choose to go by the name in everyday life. In terms of the origin of the name, it is believed to have come from Europe during the Middle Ages, being derived from the word "spiel," which is German for "game or play," and "vogel," which is German for "bird" and was often used as a nickname for someone who was agile.

Variations of the surname Spielvogel

The surname Spielvogel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word spilvogel or spelvogel. This name was originally used as a nickname for someone who was known for their performance in a play or theatrical entertainment.

In some cases, the spelling of this surname has been altered slightly over time, including Spielvogel, Spielvogel, Spielvogt, Spilvogel, and Spilvogt.

Variants of the surname include Spilvogel, Spielvogel, and Spilvogt. These forms of the surname have similar meaning, but with slight variations in spelling.

Other spellings, particularly of the name Spielvogel, are Spielvogel, Spielfogel, Spielvögel, Spielfügel, Speltvogel, and Spiltvogel.

Surnames of similar origin include Spieker, Speidel, and Spitzer. These surnames all refer to someone who is skilled or clever in some way, like the original Spielvogel surname.

Alternatively, the surname Spielvogel can also be translated as “sparrow” in English, which is the meaning of the words spil and vogel. Other surnames derived from this translation are Sparr, Sparwinkel, and Sporking.

Overall, the surname Spielvogel can have various spellings and surnames of similar origin, all with the same meaning of someone skilled or clever in some way.

Famous people with the name Spielvogel

• Paul Spielvogel: an American diplomat, education expert, and national security advisor.
• Bernd Spielvogel: an Austrian cross-country skier.
• David Spielvogel: the former president of the Weizmann Institute of Science.
• Daniel Spielvogel: a German astronomer.
• Karl Spielvogel: an American business executive.
• Howard Spielvogel: a former executive producer of Arthur Murray's Dance Party television series.
• Murray Spielvogel: a United States Air Force officer who served as an astronaut.
• Richard Spielvogel: a scientist and professor of Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
• Arnold Spielvogel: a New York City real estate mogul.
• Michael Spielvogel: a curator at the Pérez Art Museum Miami.

Other surnames

Spielvogl