Surname Diebels - Meaning and Origin
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Diebels: What does the surname Diebels mean?
The last name Diebels is of German origin and its literal translation is 'diebel' which means 'someone who is a thief or the thief'. It is not a common last name with origins in Germany and other parts of northern Europe such as the Netherlands and Austria.
The origin of the name is thought to be tied to the occupation of a thief in an area. It was likely used as a surname, adopted by families who had a member who performed the occupation. This could have been a profession that was either passed down through generations or adopted by one particular person for a time and then passed down to other members of the family.
The meaning of the name could also have been used negatively in German culture. Some people may have associated it with the idea of someone who stole for their own gain and wealth, someone who did not have the same moral compass as the other members of society.
The name Diebels is now used as a surname by families in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and other countries in northern Europe. It remains relatively uncommon and is increasingly being used as a first name as well. To those who bear the last name, the meaning of Diebels is now most likely lost. Many modern-day families may have adopted the name for reasons beyond the original one, simply to create a unique family name for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisDiebels: Where does the name Diebels come from?
The last name Diebels is most commonly found in the Netherlands today. This Germanic surname originated in the Middle Ages, and its roots are not entirely clear. It is thought to have started as a nickname for a thief, but could also possibly be derived from a personal name, 'Dibold'.
Surnames derived from places of origin are common in Germany, and Diebels is thought to have been arisen from the Old German word 'Dieb' which means thief. It is likely that the first record of the Van Diebels family were located in Holland around the 16th century.
Today, the Diebels last name can also be found in other countries such as South Africa, but is most widely found in the Netherlands. According to a 2020 population survey, there are thought to be 2,169 people living with the last name in the Netherlands, most of them living in the western and southern parts of the country.
The name is also used as a given name. In fact, it is the most common given name for baby boys in Belgium in 2020 - 505 were recorded in the year. Due to its use as a given name, it is possible that the last name Diebels is slowly beginning to spread in popularity.
Variations of the surname Diebels
The Diebels surname is a Germanic name, most commonly seen as Diel, Diehl, Diehlmann, and Diebels. It is also seen in various spelling forms such as Diebels, Deebel, Deibel, and Deibelmann.
The origin of the Diebels surname is related to one of the earliest occupational surnames, referring to the profession of a “chulder”. In the Middle Ages, a “chulder” was an important worker in a tannery or leather workshop. This profession was judged to be important enough that people with the Diebels surname were allowed to hold noble rank.
The Diebels surname was originally found throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The surname was also very common in French-speaking areas such as Belgium, where it is spelled as Deibel or Debuel. Several variants of the surname were found in Scandinavia as well, including the Danish Danael and Diekkl.
As the European continent expanded, the Diebels surname spread to countries such as the United States. In the US, Diebels is usually found spelled in English as Diebels or Deibel, although variations such as Debough and Diebel can also be seen.
Today, the Diebels surname is still found in many parts of the world and holds strong associations with its Germanic roots. It is a reminder of the changing tides of history and the contributions of people with this name since the Middle Ages.
Famous people with the name Diebels
- Laura Diebels: German volleyball player
- Félix Diebels: Belgian cyclist
- Ulrike Diebels: German Paralympic athlete
- Georg Diebels- German general
- Marie Diebels: German baroque flautist
- Wolfgang Diebels: German sculptor
- Markus Diebels: German bobsleigh pilot
- Enrico Diebels: Germanphilosopher
- Henrik Diebels: Danish lawyer and philhellene
- Florian Diebels: German Pomologist