Surname Niggel - Meaning and Origin
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Niggel: What does the surname Niggel mean?
The last name Niggel is most likely a Germanic surname that originated from the German given name Ni(c)kel, which is either a diminutive form of the name Nicholas or a nickname for an individual with a particularly dark complexion. It can also be derived from the Middle High German word "negil," which was a term used to describe a tally-man or a census-taker.
During the medieval and early modern period, an individual with the surname Niggel was likely engaged in a variety of mercantile and administrative activities, such as keeping accounts, recording taxes, and dealing in real estate, goods, and currency. People with this surname were likely involved in the movement of goods, people, and services between cities and countries. Therefore, the surname Niggel could have been associated with a level of status, with the anguish and undergirding of regional trade.
The surname also has the connotation of being a blacksmith or other metalworker, suggesting that those with the last name Niggel were adept in the skilled trades that were necessary for medieval life. This individual would have mastered the art of smelting and the ability to mould and shape metal into tools and weapons, both of which were essential to the operations of medieval society.
The last name Niggel appears to be fairly rare in today's world, but is still found in Germany, Austria, and some other parts of Central Europe. Those who possess this last name are likely proud of their ancestral roots, carrying a bit of Germanic history within their veins.
Order DNA origin analysisNiggel: Where does the name Niggel come from?
Niggel is an uncommon German surname, most common in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Hesse. It is also commonly found in Switzerland, Austria, and elsewhere in Central and Western Europe, particularly among German-speaking populations. Today, it is also found in various locations around the world, including the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries with large German-speaking diaspora communities.
In the United States, the last name Niggel is common in states with substantial German-speaking immigrant populations, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It is also found in several areas with more recent German immigration, such as New York, Colorado, and California. The highest concentrations of Niggel inhabitants are found in Wisconsin, primarily in and around Milwaukee and Madison.
In Canada, Niggels are concentrated in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. As with any common surname, Niggel variations such as Niggl, Nibbel, and Niggle may be found in different regions with different frequencies.
Though Niggel is still considered an uncommon name today, it has a long history and is still found in many places around the world. Its origins and current geographic distributions are likely to remain a mystery for years to come.
Variations of the surname Niggel
The surname Niggel is of German origin. It is derived from the given name Niggel or its variant Nickl. It is also known to appear in various forms, for example, Nigal, Nigel, Nigell, Nigele, Niggele, Niggl, Niggles, Nighles, Nygel, and Nygell.
The German spelling of the surname Niggel is Niagal or Nigal. This form originated from the given name Niggel or Nicl, a diminutive of Nicholas. Other variants for this name include Nijl, Niigl, and Neigl, again derived from the given name Niggel or Nicl.
In some parts of Germany, the surname Niggel is known by a completely different spelling, namely, Nighles or Nygles. This variant can be traced to the dialect of Southern German and Austrian dialect which is spoken in Bavaria, and Austria.
In some cases, the surname Niggel is also found as a patronymic form, such as Niggeler, Niggelers, and Nigglers. This form is derived from the given name Niggel and became popular around the end of the 18th century.
The surname Niggel is also found in other parts of the world, such as the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, its variants are spelled Niggels and Niggelsons. The United States version of the surname Niggel is commonly spelled as Niggle or Nigle. As with all surnames, there are even more variant spellings and names derived from the same origin.
Famous people with the name Niggel
- Joey Niggel: American YouTube personality, musician, and actor
- Andrew Niggel: Former professional hockey player
- Paul Niggel: American actor, writer, and director
- Darryl Niggel: Current Major League Baseball umpire
- Paul Niggel Jr.: Former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Rudy Niggel: Former professional football player and coach
- Heather Niggel: Former Olympic swimmer
- Kay Niggel: Former figure skater
- Dennis Niggel: Former professional football player
- Bill Niggel: Current professional golfer