Surname Kärgel - Meaning and Origin
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Kärgel: What does the surname Kärgel mean?
The last name Kärgel is an uncommon name that originated in Germany. It is a patronymic surname, derived from the given name Karl or similar names with the suffix “-gel”. The suffix “gel” is a diminutive form, indicating “little Karl.”
The literal meaning of the name Kärgel is thought to be “bald one”, derived from the Old High German word “karal” or “kar” which means “bald” or “bare”. This meaning is likely derived from the similar-sounding word for owl, “karlon”, referring to the bald eagle or owls which were common sights in the German forests.
The name Kärgel spread across the German-speaking regions of Europe throughout the Medieval and Early Modern periods. During this period, it became more popular as a last name in certain areas of Europe, such as Bavaria, Prussia and Bohemia, where it remains a relatively common name today.
The name Kärgel may have originally indicated someone who was bald or someone who resembled a bald eagle or owl. Today, the name is mostly used as a surname with no strict relation to any particular personality trait of the wearer. However, the name still holds a certain air of nobility and cultural significance, being strongly rooted in Germanic history.
Order DNA origin analysisKärgel: Where does the name Kärgel come from?
The last name Kärgel is a very uncommon last name today, with its highest concentration located in Germany and specifically in the state of Hesse. According to the current records, the last name Kärgel has just over 1,000 recorded entries in German genealogy and census records. This is a quite sparse population compared to other German surnames, like Müller which has nearly 400,000 entries in the German telephone directory.
Kärgel is an old German name originating from the Middle High German word “kergel” which means a small rounded hill. The location of the name may suggest that its original bearers lived in a very hilly area and may also suggest that they may have derived their livelihood from farming.
Most people with the last name Kärgel who are living today originate from the regions of Hesse, Bavaria, Westphalia, Brandenburg, Saxony and Baden-Württemberg as well as in the neighboring countries, Switzerland and Austria. The name is no longer frequent in the United States, however, there are still some people with Kärgel among the German American population.
The Kärgel family crest is a yellow-colored shield featuring three black griffins facing outward. This crest signifies bravery, vigor, and alertness to the family’s enemies.
The Kärgel surname is a rare one, certainly, but its bearers are proud of its old German roots and the coat of arms that is still associated with large numbers of other German last names.
Variations of the surname Kärgel
The surname Kärgel is an ancient German name believed to have originated in East Prussia before the 18th century. The name is derived from the old German word 'kargell' which translates to ‘diamond’. The variant spellings for the surname Kärgel include Karsel, Kärsel, Kaersel, Karselle, Kässel, Kässle, and Kesel.
The variations of the surname Kärgel can be traced to different countries in Central Europe, including: Germany, Poland, and Lithuania. In Germany, the surname was mainly found in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Brandenburg, and Thuringia. In Poland it was mainly found in the regions of Poznan and Grodno. While in Lithuania, it is mainly found in the regions of Vilnius, Kaunas, and Kovno.
The surname Kärgel is also sometimes Anglicized as Kergel, though it is still considered a variation of the original surname. Surnames with similar origins and meanings such as Karg, Kargen, Karges, Kargl, and Kärgler, may also be related to the surname Kärgel.
The surname Kärgel has also been linked to other variations of the name, such as the Germanic sub-category of surnames known as ‘Karrerik.’ These names are derived from the old High German word ‘Karrerik,’ which translates to ‘fierce’ or ‘fierce-hearted.’ This sub-category includes surnames such as Kötterel, Kortel, and Kortele.
Overall, the surname Kärgel is an ancient German surname that dates back centuries. It has evolved over the years, branching off into several spellings and variants, as well as related surname spellings with similar origins and meanings.
Famous people with the name Kärgel
- Lars Kärgel: Olympic rower from East Germany
- Jraz Kärgel: German volleyball player
- Alex Kärgel: German footballer and commentator
- Katrin Kärgel: German field hockey player
- Tomke Kärgel: German football player
- Johann Kärgel: German footballer
- Kordula Kärgel: German actress
- Konstantin Kärgel: German painter and sculptor
- Jürgen Kärgel: German painter
- Sven Kärgel: German contemporary artist