Surname Meussel - Meaning and Origin
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Meussel: What does the surname Meussel mean?
The surname Meussel is of German origin and is derived from the word ‘mussel’ which means a clamshell. The surname is believed to have begun as a occupational name for someone who collected clams from the shore or who worked in the seafood industry. Alternatively, some believe the name may have started as a descriptive nickname for someone with a large protruding nose, reminiscent of the shape of a clamshell.
Throughout centuries the Meussel surname spread through Germany and eventually throughout the world, particularly in countries such as Switzerland, France, England, and Holland. Records show that in the 17th century some families bearing the surname emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania.
The Meussel surname is much more common in Germany than other countries and is still prevalent today, however modern spellings have also emerged, including Mussel, Mussle, Mussal and Musselman.
Today, the meaning of the Meussel surname is dependent on its relevant branch and is usually a reference to the word ‘mussel’. It still conveys the origin of the name; either an occupational name for a clamshell collector or a descriptive nickname to those with a large intrusive nose.
Order DNA origin analysisMeussel: Where does the name Meussel come from?
The last name Meussel is most commonly found today in Germany, with many living across the country. It can also be found in some other areas in Europe and occasionally in the United States.
In Germany, the largest population areas of Meussel are located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of the country, though some people have family spread out across the entire country, although sometimes too far away to remain connected to each other. According to Germany's census figures, the population of Meussel in the country is around 11,000.
In terms of Europe, Meussel can also be found in a few other countries, primarily in nearby Austria and Switzerland, although small numbers exist in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland too. Outside of Europe, Meussel can also be found in the United States, primarily in California, Texas, and Washington – although sung figures are much lower than in Germany Compare to 78 people in the US with Meussel as their last name, according to the US Government Census.
Regardless of where people are located today, the last name Meussel is highly likely to have originated from Germany, whose people were known as immigrants to the United States in the past. Connections to the name could reach back multiple generations to a small area in the North Rhine-Westphalia region.
Variations of the surname Meussel
Meussel is a surname of German-Jewish origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word “Maus” meaning mouse. This surname is thought to have been adopted as a nickname for a person with mouse-like characteristics.
The variants, spellings and surnames of Meussel include Mossel, Moessel, Muessel, Moussel, Mausel, Missel, Messel, Mosel, Maisel, Maiselman, Mysle, Mussel and Moszelle. Some common English spellings include Meusely, Missel, Mossle and Mousel.
Mousel is probably the most common variant, and is thought to be derived from the French word “mouche” meaning small fly. This is probably due to the resemblance between the word for “mouse” and the word for “fly”.
In other languages, the name may have slightly different spellings and pronunciations. For example, in Jewish languages like Yiddish, the surname is commonly translated as “Menshel” and in Hebrew, it is translated as “Messelman” and “Mitsselman”.
Meussel is an uncommon surname, but is still found in some parts of Europe and the United States. Additionally, due to the many variants of spelling associated with this surname, many people who have the surname may not even be aware of its origin.
Famous people with the name Meussel
- Ralf Meussl: German footballer
- Aleida von Meussel: German actress
- Heinrich Meussel: German classical scholar
- Helmuth Meussel: German zoologist
- Nicholas Wilhelm Meussel: German poet
- Johann Matthias Meussel: German theologian
- Bernhard Meussel: German mathematician
- Karl Meussel: German painter
- Emil Meussel: German theologian
- Otto Meussel: German composer
- Raimund Meussel: German dramaturgist
- J. Paul von Meussel: German classical philologist