Surname Teufel - Meaning and Origin

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I. Teufel

Teufel: What does the surname Teufel mean?

The last name Teufel is a German surname which is derived from the word "teufel", meaning "devil" in English. Historically, the name was used to denote someone of a devilish disposition who was thought to have a connection to the supernatural; however, over time this association has been lost, and today the name is simply a surname which has no inherent meaning.

The historical origin of the name Teufel is likely to be linked to the folklore of the Middle Ages, when many people believed in the existence of the devil and other supernatural entities. People would often refer to others as having a devilish character, which is likely to be the origin of the surname. As beliefs changed over time, however, the name shifted in meaning, becoming more simply a surname with no specific connotations attached.

Today, the name Teufel is common in many parts of Europe and has been adopted by other cultures throughout the world. It continues to be used as a surname with no inherent meaning; however, some people still use it as a nickname to denote a person with an unruly or rebellious character.

Teufel: Where does the name Teufel come from?

The surname Teufel (pronounced "toy-fel") is a German surname meaning "devil". It is commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.

The Teufel surname is also found in Romania, where it has been in use since at least as early as the 15th century. This is likely due to the fact that Romania has historically contained a significant German population. In addition, it is found in some areas of Hungary, which also has a significant German population.

In the United States, the Teufel surname is seen mainly in areas where German immigrants settled, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana. These settlers often came to the US in the 19th century, escaping war in Europe or seeking a better life.

Today, Teufel is still a fairly common surname in its native Europe, including Germany, where it ranks as the 573rd most common surname. However, its prevalence outside of Germany and other German-speaking countries is not as strong, and it is only found occasionally in other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Teufel

The surname Teufel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word for "devil". Variations of this surname include Täufel, Teifel, Teufl, Teufeler, Teufler, Teueffel, Teuffel, Theifel, Theuvel or Theuwel. There are also alternative spellings such as Tiefel, Teipel, Teifl, Teiflle, Teifh, Teivol, Teivl, Teivel, Teefel, Teefen and Teveel.

In some areas of Germany, the suffix "-mann" has been used in connection with Teufel, leading to Evensnames like Teufelman, Teufelmann, Teuflman, Teufemann and Teuffelman. As well as Teufel, Teufl, Deifel and Theifel, other variations on the name include Tiefel, Deipel, Deifl, Deifh, Deivol, Deivel, Devuel, Deefel, Deefen and Divel.

There are many other surnames related to the Teufel family, such as Teunis (or Theunis) which derives from Anthonis, Tefertiller which derives from an old knight's family, Tetering which comes from the Germanic name 'Tederic', Teterink which comes from the Dutch name ' Peterken', Tetor which is derived from ‘Tudor' and Tiefert which comes from the old German name ' Dieffert'.

In some areas of Europe, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands, Tefels is a related surname, while in Austria and Switzerland, variants like Tiefels, Tieffels and Tiefen have been noted.

There are also various other incarnations of the name Teufel in English - including Tufel, Tuffel, Teffel, Tuphill, Tuphol, Teuful and Tuevil. In Scotland, Teufel is known under the variant of Teviel.

Famous people with the name Teufel

• Kirsten Teufel: German politician and former professional footballer.
• Robert Teufel: American architect and founder of the firm Robert Teufel & Associates.
• Johann Teufel: Austrian mountain climber and renowned alpinist.
• Mike Teufel: American former Major League Baseball player.
• Hans Teufel: German former professional tennis player.
• Karl Teufel: German former cyclist and four-time winner of the Tour de France.
• Wolfgang Teufel: German general and former Chief of Staff of the Bundeswehr.
• Paul Teufel: American former professional baseball player.
• Walter Teufel: German former professional ice hockey player.
• Ilona Teufel: German singer and songwriter.

Other surnames

Teufele