Surname Niegel - Meaning and Origin
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Niegel: What does the surname Niegel mean?
The surname Niegel is of German origin and derived from the Middle High German word 'niegel' which translates to "small nail". It is believed to have been originally used as an occupational surname to describe a maker or seller of nails and fasteners. By the 1300s, it became common among the noble and merchant classes of Germany as a surname to differentiate between individuals with the same given name.
The surname can be found in records all over Germany, but is more common in the state of Baden-Württemberg. As an occupational surname, it was taken on by numerous families, which has led to the name having several variants such as Niagel, Neigel, and Nygel, each with slightly different spelling but with the same meaning.
In modern usage, the meaning of Niegel as a surname has largely been lost and has taken on the meaning of a family name akin to other common surnames. Those with the Niegel surname are proud of its its origin and history, and many consider themselves connected by an ethnic identity.
Order DNA origin analysisNiegel: Where does the name Niegel come from?
The last name Niegel is most common today in Germany, where the name originated. According to the website Forebears, it is ranked as the 602nd most common surname in Germany with approximately 30,040 people holding the name. The name is also common in other countries in Europe, such as Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark, as well as parts of the United States. In the United States, the name is mainly found in Wisconsin, North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, states that are known to have strong German-American heritage.
Historically, the name can be traced back to Germany, where it can be found in records from as early as the 1100s. People with the name were generally much more prevalent in Germany during the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time, many people with the name migrated to other countries around the world. Today, the ancestors of the people with the name Niegel can be found in many countries spanning from Europe to the United States and beyond.
Variations of the surname Niegel
The surname ‘Niegel’ is typically of Germanic origin, though its variants and spellings can be found throughout Europe. The most common variant spellings include: Neigel, Neigle, Nagel, Naegel, Negel, Nagele, Negelé, Nageler, Negler and Nägler.
The surname originates from the German noun ‘Nagel’, meaning ‘nail’, making it a nickname surname for one who was said to resemble a nail. It was not uncommon in some regions of Germany for this term to be used as a nickname for a very thin person.
A prominent variation of the surname is Nagel, which is known to be of similar Germanic origin and is still used widely today in many German-speaking countries. Much like its predecessor, Nagel is often used, in some regions, to refer to someone who is particularly thin.
Spelling variants of the surname Niegel can be found beyond the Germanic language countries, and perhaps most notably in countries where the French language is spoken. There, the variants Neuge, Neuges, Neuget and Neyget are known to exist, though they are still believed to originate from the German ‘Nagel’.
In English-speaking countries, the surname Niegel is rarely used and typically appears in its original spelling. However, anglicised versions of the name, such as Neagle, Nagel and Naegle, are slightly more common.
Famous people with the name Niegel
- Michelle Niegel, former US champion sumo wrestler
- Robin Niegel, Olympic Gold Medalist for learn-to-row at the 1996 Summer Olympics
- Tom Niegel, actor and producer
- Bruno Niegel, German Football manager & former professional football player
- Susan Niegel, artist, filmmaker, writer, and curator
- Joshua NiigeL, musician and songwriter
- Cody NIEGEL, Pink Floyd Tribute Band Co-founder & International Drummer & Performer
- Chris Niegel, 309th Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander
- Heinrich von Niegel, German military officer and a World War I recipient of the Pour le Mérite
- Christina Niegel, German artist and director who creates and produces video art based on traditional natural resources