Surname Engel - Meaning and Origin
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Tracing the Engel Heritage: A Personal Journey Through iGENEA DNA Test Analysis
Seeking to uncover the origins and history behind the Engel surname, I embarked on a journey with the leading DNA testing service, iGENEA. The process, which involved providing a saliva sample for analysis of Y-DNA and mtDNA, revealed intriguing information about the Engel lineage's geography, occupation, and descent, offering an insightful perspective into my genealogy.
N. Engel
read moreEngel: What does the surname Engel mean?
The last name Engel is of German origin, coming from the Middle High German, Engel, which means “angel.” According to some genealogists, the name derived from the personal name Engelbert, a combination of “angel” and Old German “bright.” Those with the surname usually hailed from Bavaria and Prussia, where the earliest known spelling, Angel, was recorded in the 15th century.
In German-speaking countries, the word angel is a common symbol of love and protection, so those with the name Engel enjoy a special significance. Angels are popularly associated with helping us find and protect our true heart’s desire. Having the name Engel then, may mean that one’s ancestors strived for such aspirations.
Early records of the Engel family include: Caspar Engel of Boltfeld, Germany, who had two sons in the 1500s; Catharina Engel of Schalkhausen, Germany in the 1700s; Anton Engel from Bruhlhammer, Germany in the 1700s; and Maria Engel of Laterns, Austria in the 1700s.
Known Engel or Angel variations include Engle, Engl, and, Engler; common nicknames include Enge, Englin, Angelow, and Engelman. At the time of the refinements of German spelling and grammar in the 19th century, the spelling of Engel began to be standardized as it is today.
In today’s world, it is an honor to have a last name like Engel. Those with the name Engel are proud to bear the long-respected surname, not only for its implications of protecting one’s true desire, but also for the unique history it carries.
Order DNA origin analysisEngel: Where does the name Engel come from?
The last name Engel is a very common name today, especially in German-speaking countries. It can be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other countries that have historically had German-speaking populations. It has also spread to many other areas due to immigration of people from these countries. It is especially common in the United States, where it is among the 200 most common surnames. In the US, the name Engel can be found across the country, although it is more prevalent in the Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions. Additionally, it is common in countries such as France, Hungary, and the Netherlands.
The origins of the name Engel are rooted in the Middle Ages and stem from the German terms for “angel” or “messenger.” Over the centuries, the name has been associated with numerous interpretations. For instance, it could be related to the Old Testament angel Gabriel, symbolizing strength and protection. The name could also be derived from the German word “engl” or “angel”, indicating someone who is a prophetic messenger. Alternatively, it could have originated from a nickname for a generous individual, or one with a passionate nature.
Regardless of its origin, the name Engel is still a very common family name found around the world. Its presence in populations is a continued testament to its historical importance and significance.
Variations of the surname Engel
Engel is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the German words “Engel” meaning “angel”, and is generally seen as a nickname for someone of a cheerful disposition. It is a common name throughout the German-speaking areas of Europe.
Variants of the Engel surname can be spelt in various ways, these include: Engle, Engler, Englert, Englisch, Angela, Angler and Engleman.
Variations in spelling are often seen due to changes in dialect and language over time, such as the transformation from Anglo-Saxon to Middle English in Britain.
The surname Engel is also used as a Jewish surname, and is a variant derived from the Yiddish “engel”, meaning “angel”.
In addition, some peoples in German-speaking Europe have kept the older spelling of Engel, and have used it as a surname. Examples include the Gugelmann and Schlegelmann families.
Furthermore, the surname Engel is used as a German occupational or locational surname, stemming from a person working for or living in an establishment named after an angel, or an angelic figure. For example, the surname "Engelsberg" is derived from the original family estate of someone named Engel.
Finally, Engel may also be used as a patronymic surname, denoting a son or daughter of Engel. This is common among Germanic countries, where it is also spelled as Engels.
Famous people with the name Engel
- Marilyn Engel, American children's author
- Matt Engel, British sports journalist and broadcaster
- Adolf Engel, Austrian-American painter and sculptor
- Jamie Engel, American singer songwriter
- Ruth Engel, German film actress
- Stan Engel, American architect
- James Engel, American photographer
- Markus Engel, German writer
- Peter Engel, American television producer
- Ann Engel, American artist and teacher
- Nicole Engel, German ski jumper
- Rodney Engel, American basketball coach
- Eric Engel, American organist
- Jack Engel, American disability law attorney
- Horst Engel, German football coach
- Willi Engel, German photographer
- Irish Engel, Canadian television journalist
- Steve Engel, American filmmaker
- Arnold Engel, Austrian economist
- John Engel, American government official