Surname Nikkel - Meaning and Origin
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Nikkel: What does the surname Nikkel mean?
The last name Nikkel is a Germanic name stemming from the first name Nikolaus. Its origin story goes back to two language sources: the Germanic words "nik" and "kel", with "nik" meaning "victory or people" and "kel" meaning "brave or bold". The combination of these two words produces a meaning of "strong people".
Nikkel is a variation of the traditional German name Nickel, which itself was derived from the Latin name Nicolaus. This name was derived from the Greek Nikólaos meaning ‘victorious people’.
The Nikkel surname has existed since the Middle Ages in Germany. It spread westward to other countries in the 19th century, and has been used in the United States since the early 1900s.
The notoriety of the surname has risen in recent years, with many famous historical figures carrying the Nikkel surname. Politician John Nikkel from Canada and American actor Justin Nikkel are but two prominent examples.
The Nikkel surname is generally seen as an auspicious omen, as it implies a certain strength and prosperity to the individuals that bear the name. As it has a rich and long-spanning history, it is a name that many individuals are proud to have as their surname.
Order DNA origin analysisNikkel: Where does the name Nikkel come from?
The last name Nikkel is most commonly found today in the Netherlands and throughout many German-speaking countries. In the Netherlands, it can be traced to the early days of Dutch colonization of the Americas, where the name Nikkel was granted to families as a reward for settling new areas. It is common in many of the Dutch provinces, particularly in Limburg, where the name is often spelled as 'Nickel.'
In German-speaking countries, the last name Nikkel is also widespread. This is likely due to the large population of Dutch emigrants who settled in the region over the past centuries. The spelling in German-speaking countries is usually Ni(e)ckel, with variations of the spelling used in different regions.
The name has also spread to many other countries with Dutch and German emigrant populations, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia. In the United States, it is most commonly misspelled as either Nickel or Nickle, due to variations in pronunciation and spelling between English and Dutch.
Overall, the last name Nikkel is most commonly found in the Netherlands and throughout many German-speaking countries today. With the large number of Dutch and German immigrants who have travelled abroad, it is also increasingly becoming more common in other countries with large immigrant populations.
Variations of the surname Nikkel
The surname Nikkel is likely a variation of Nickel, a German name derived from the Middle High German words "nickel" or "nickele" meaning devil, bold, or brave. The surname also has alternative spellings including Nickel, Nickle, and Nickell.
The surname Nikkel may have been a derivative of the given name Nickels, which likely originated from the Middle High German given name Nickenke, a form of Nikolaus, a diminutive of the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning "victorious people".
The Nikkel family name is found throughout Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany, Hungary, and the United States. In the United States, the name is also sometimes spelled and pronounced Nickol. In Germany, variations of the surname also include Nickels, Nikkels, Nicol, and Nikold.
The Nikkel surname is also found in countries such as Sweden, Germany, and Hungary under the spelling Knekel and Knickel, and in Switzerland, the surname is sometimes spelled Knelle.
In some cases, the Nikkel surname can also be found in its original Middle High German form, Nickel, or in its alternate spellings, including Nidle, Nidl, Nidlegger, Nithleger, Nikoel, Nikoll, Nikle, Negkel, Neckel, and Nekol.
Overall, the surname Nikkel is derived from the Middle High German words "nickel" or "nickele" meaning devil, bold, or brave, and has many variants, spellings, and associated surnames throughout Europe.
Famous people with the name Nikkel
- Christine Nikkel: an American writer best known for her 2017 novel proposals
- Martina Nikkel: a German track and field athlete who specializes in the 400 meters
- Eric Nikkel: a Canadian filmmaker, actor and music producer
- Wilma Nikkel: a Dutch volleyball player and former member of the Netherlands national team
- Harry Nikkel: an American musician, songwriter and recording artist
- Peter Nikkel: a Dutch politician and former Minister of Education, Culture and Science
- Bas Nikkel: a Dutch footballer who plays as a striker for Dutch Eerste Divisie club FC Dordrecht
- Britta Nikkel: a Swiss alpine skier who competed at four Winter Olympics
- Malou Nikkel: a Dutch photographer and visual artist
- Elijah Nikkel: an American actor, writer, comedian, and producer best known for his work in the television series 'Dark/Web'