Surname Engele - Meaning and Origin
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Engele: What does the surname Engele mean?
The last name Engele, originating in Germany, is derived from the early Germanic form angil, meaning “angel”. It likely originated as a nickname for someone who behaved like or was given the features of an angel or was thought to possess qualities of an angel. Traditionally, the meaning of this name reads “as an angel” and was used to protect the bearer from danger or harm.
It would from there become a surname or familial name, with angil (or a variation of angil) making its way as a given name in Germany. This name eventually evolved to become Engele, which was used in German records from the Middle Ages.
Today, the surname Engele is still common in Germany and some other German-speaking countries. Other ancestral variants of this surname include Engel and Engelmann. It has also spread to English-speaking countries, where it has been used as a given name to refer to an angel-like character.
People with this surname are usually associated with traits of strength and protection, suggesting a strong character backed by a deep sense of justice. Many famous celebrities and figures have borne the name Engele in Germany and beyond, helping to promote the positive meaning of this surname across subsequent generations.
Order DNA origin analysisEngele: Where does the name Engele come from?
The last name Engele is mostly common in Germany even though due to its commonness there are many people who share it throughout the world. Engele is a relatively old last name, with many records tracing it back to the 17th century in Germany, making it one of the oldest surviving surnames in the country. Engele is believed to originate from Middle High German words meaning 'angel' or 'messenger.' Today, in Germany, it is most common in the Lower Saxony region, particularly Göttingen. Engele can also be found in Switzerland and Austria, but is not as widespread as in Germany. Recent genetic and surname studies have found that the Engele surname is most common in the eastern parts of Germany and southern parts of Poland due to centuries of migration within these regions. It is uncommon in western or northern Germany, and practically unheard of in the Netherlands. Overall, Engele is a rather common surname, likely originating from the religious Middle High German connection to angels.
Variations of the surname Engele
The surname Engele is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "engele" meaning “angel” or “messenger”. It is found throughout Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe.
The most common variant, spelling, and surname of the same origin for the surname Engele is Engel. This spelling can also be found as Engl, Engle, Engleder, Engeley, Engelhardt, Engelke, Engelman, Engelmann, Engleson, and Engelhard.
Variants of the name include Engle, Anghel, Angal, Angol, Ingele, Ingel, Inkel, and Enjel. Spelling variations include Anjel, Engeland, Ingeles, Angles, Enckel, Enckle, Engiles, Engicle, Engull, Angus, Anjal, Ingelso, Englefur, Engleheart and Angilo.
Other surnames of the same origin include Engelen, Angel, Angeli, Angelos, Angell, Engels, Engelmann, Engerman, Angelus, Anghel, Angelius, Anghil, Inghil, Angea, Angyel, Engh, Engholm, and Engleman.
It is also possible to find surnames with the same origin including Englen, Englehorn, Engler, Engles, Englefield, Engley, Englewood, Englehart, Englene, Engelland, Englesmith, Angellotti, Angelli, and Angellino.
Famous people with the name Engele
- Evynne Hollens: Singer, songwriter, and a cappella artist
- Aaron Engele: Soccer player on the Canadian U-20 team and professional in the United Soccer League
- Kurt Engele: Professional ice hockey player in the American Hockey League
- John Engele: Stand-up comedian and actor
- Ryan Engele: Professional snowboarder who is a three-time World Cup champion
- Derek Engele: Professional golfer who competed on the PGA Tour
- Destiny Engele: Professional dancer who competed on the reality show So You Think You Can Dance
- Roehampton Engele: British recording artist and producer
- Fahrettin Engele: Professional tennis player from Turkey who competed on the ATP Tour
- Isabelle Engele: German figure skater who won the bronze medal at the 1979 European Championships