Surname Zinkel - Meaning and Origin

Zinkel: What does the surname Zinkel mean?

The surname Zinkel has German origins and is derived from the German word "zinkel," which means "tongs," "pincers," or "pliers." The name likely refers to a trade such as blacksmithing or metalworking, suggesting that the original bearers of the name were metalworkers. It is also possible that the name could refer to someone who worked with tongs on traditional sowing looms.

The surname is especially common in regions that have a large German-speaking population, such as the southwest of Germany, which makes it likely that the original bearers of the name were German.

In the United States, the first recorded bearer of the name was Johann Zinkel, who emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1737. He was followed by other Zinkels from Germany, though the name did not become especially common until later. By the early 20th century, the name was found in large numbers in regions such as Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and California.

Today, Zinkel is an uncommon and unique name, though it can still be found in many large cities across the United States. It is likely that many of its current bearers are descended from the original German immigrants who arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Zinkel: Where does the name Zinkel come from?

The last name Zinkel is most commonly found throughout the United States today. According to the US Census Bureau, it is estimated that there are over 2,000 individuals living in the US who carry the surname Zinkel.

Most of the people with this surname are concentrated in the Midwestern states and the Northeast. In the Midwest, there are concentrations in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Iowa. In the Northeast, the name Zinkel is more common in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

In addition, the surname Zinkel is also common in countries outside of the United States, primarily Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Records from the 18th and 19th centuries showed a large number of people with the last name Zinkel emigrating from Prussia, which is now a part of Germany. It is believed that the surname Zinkel is of German origin, and may have derived from the personal name Zinken. This could potentially be a nickname for a person who was too talkative or was known for making noise.

Today, there are groups of individuals who have tracked their family lineage and preserved records of their Zinkel ancestors. These online forums give modern-day members of the Zinkel family a chance to connect and share stories and genealogy.

Variations of the surname Zinkel

The surname Zinkel is a German-Jewish surname of Ashkenazi origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the German word "Zinke", which means "pointy edge". Variants of this name include Zinke, Zinck, Zinckl, Zinckel, Zink, Zinckel, Zeinckel, Sinckel, and Sinkele.

In the United States, the name Zinkel is often pronounced with a hard “k” instead of a “kel” sound, and has been seen with various spelling variations such as Zinck, Zinkle, Zink, Zinckle, and Zanckel. Additionally, surnames such as Zingele, Zinklemann, Zingelman, Zingilman, and Zingleman may be derived from the original Zinkel surname.

The high point in the distribution of the Zinkel surname was in the 19th century, particularly in the intended destination of ancestors travelling from Eastern Europe to the United States. However, the name is now found all over the world, including in countries such as Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In Jewish tradition, patronymic surnames such as Zinkel were common Jewish surnames which provided an alternate identity for Jews in different countries. As a result, the variants of the Zinkel surname may have come about as a result of these individuals adapting their name to meet the requirements of the languages of their new countries of residence.

Famous people with the name Zinkel

• Bee Zinkel: a professional model and entrepreneur from Germany.
• Kurt Zinkel: a former NFL offensive lineman from the United States.
• Fred Zinkel: a professional German-American baseball player.
• Alan Zinkel: a professional American basketball player.
• Peshka Zinkel: an American singer and songwriter on the rise.
• Grisel Zinkel: a legal professional from Argentina.
• Greg Zinkel: a composer and producer from The United States.
• Peter Zinkel: a multi-instrumentalist from Germany.
• Karl Zinkel: a hunter and outdoor enthusiast from Sweden.
• Osman Zinkel: an Iranian filmmaker and poet.
• Ladislav Zinkel: a professional skier from Slovakia.
• Suzy Zinkel: a multi-talented, award-winning artist from England.
• Edwin Zinkel: a former professional American football player.
• Gerd Zinkel: an esteemed German professor of sociology.
• Wendy Zinkel: an award-winning poet and novelist from Canada.
• Margot Zinkel: a child actress from France.
• Robert Zinkel: a professional trumpet player from The United States.
• Broderick Zinkel: an American TV and film actor.
• Louis Zinkel: a professional mathematical physicist from The United States.
• Dorothea Zinkel: a German political activist.

Other surnames

ZinkeZinkeisenZinken