Surname Appels - Meaning and Origin
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Appels: What does the surname Appels mean?
The last name Appels is generally believed to have originated in the Netherlands (Dutch). Appels is a surname derived from the Dutch word "appel," meaning "apple," although the name could also have been derived from an occupation or personal characteristics of the original family bearing the name.
Sometimes the surname was written as "Appels" and other variations include "Apple," "Appel," "Appelt," "Appelhaan," and "Appelhoff." In some cases, Appels may also be an Americanized version of the Jewish surname, "Appelblatt," which is derived from the German word for "apple blossom."
The surname Appels first began to emerge in the Dutch provinces of South Holland and western Utrecht, where Dutch ancestors of the Appels family were a long-occurring constituent of ancient villages and rural areas. This family name has had multiple uses throughout history, including as a name for farmers, or rural dwellers, and for those in the market trade. In any case, records, in Dutch archives, indicate that the surname Appels first arose between 1100 and 1600 in this region.
As a rule, the prominent Appels families can be traced back many generations to early settlers in the Netherlands, while most present-day Appels families are descended from these early settlers. It is assumed that most of the Appels families of the Netherlands, those bearing the surname of Appels, share a common ancestor.
Today, the Appels surname is found throughout Europe, with a large concentration in the Netherlands. The Appels family name has also become a familiar part of several cultures abroad, including the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Order DNA origin analysisAppels: Where does the name Appels come from?
The last name Appels is a common surname found in many parts of the world. In Europe, the name is quite popular in Belgium as well as France and the Netherlands, with Belgian records from the 19th century showing over 5,000 Appels living in the country. Outside of Europe, Appels are found primarily in North and South America, with the largest population in the United States. In the USA census of 2000, Appels were recorded as living in all fifty states, with over 14,000 people recorded with the surname. In addition, Appels are also found in Australia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and even some parts of Africa, making it a truly international last name.
The name likely originates from the Dutch word appel, which means apple and would have been originally used to describe a person who either sold or grew apples. During the Middle Ages it was also used to refer to people who lived in and around apple orchards. Today, Appels can be found in various professional fields such as business, politics, science, art, and entertainment. It is likely to remain an international and common last name for many generations to come.
Variations of the surname Appels
Appels is a surname usually associated with Dutch, Germanic, or Belgian-speaking cultures. It is most commonly spelled as Appels, but occasionally can also be found as Appelman, Appelmanni, Apels, Appelmans, Pinappels, and Veenappel.
Appels is a patronymic name, derived from the Germanic first name Appel, which itself is derived from the Latin term "Appellus," meaning "small apple." This likely denotes a person who was noted for having a round or apple-like face shape. Appels may also have been derived from a nickname for someone who was seen as a smooth talker, based on the words "appellare," or "to address in a pleasant and persuasive way."
Although it is unclear when the surname Appels first appeared, it was relatively common by the 18th century and is present across European countries. In the Netherlands, Appels is derived from the word for "apples," and is an occupational surname for a fruit monger or orchard worker. In Belgium, it likely originates from the language of Flanders, being a popular name in that area.
The surname Appels is also well-represented in the United States, where many families bearing the name can trace their roots to 19th-century Dutch or Belgian immigrants. Appels may also refer to other variations of the name, such as Appelman, Apels, Appeleman, and Appelmans. While the origin is often the same for those possessing the surname, the spelling and regional variant may vary greatly.
Famous people with the name Appels
- Wouter Appels: CEO of ICI Paris XL.
- Maren Appels: Business Strategist and influential public speaker.
- Geertje Appels: Dutch singer and songwriter.
- Marije Appels: Dutch actress and author.
- Annelies Appels: Dutch television host.
- Tyler Appels: American graphic designer.
- Rob Appels: Dutch entrepreneur and CEO of health technology company Sustonable.
- Tom Appels: Canadian actor and comedian.
- Willemijn Appels: Dutch artist and textile designer.
- Seth Appels: American professional basketball player.
- Koen Appels: CEO of zilverpakket.nl.
- Bart Appels: Dutch soccer player.
- Esther Appels: Dutch Architect and urban designer.
- Harry Appels: Dutch jazz pianist.
- Danny Appels: Belgian DJ and musician.
- Bart Appels: judge at the Provincial Court of North Holland.
- Ruben Appels: Dutch author and illustrator.
- Cis Appels: (Francine Appels) Dutch figure skater.
- Tim Appels: Dutch entrepreneur and executive producer.
- Dennis Appels: German-born American photographer and cinematographer.