Surname Becktel - Meaning and Origin

Becktel: What does the surname Becktel mean?

Becktel is a surname of German origin. It's a variant of the more common spelling "Bechtel", deriving from "Bachtel", which is a place name in Switzerland and Germany. The name in its original forms can possibly be traced back to the Middle High German words, ‘bech’ meaning ‘brook’ or ‘stream’ and ‘tal’ meaning ‘valley’. Thus, in a topographical sense it could describe a person who lived by a small stream in a valley. Like numerous surnames, variations in spelling such as Bechtol, Bechtold, Bechtoldt, and Becktel have occurred over time and with the migration of people to different regions and countries. As with other surnames of this type, geographic relocation often led to phonetic reinterpretation and respelling. Similar to many surnames that began as descriptive or occupational names, Becktel may not carry a specific 'meaning' in modern usage, but rather serves as a family identifier, providing a link to the past.

Becktel: Where does the name Becktel come from?

The surname Becktel is of German origin. It is derived from the German personal name Berchtold. Over time, names were often modified in spelling and pronunciation resulting in different variations. Becktel is one such derivation.

Berchtold itself is a compound, made up of two Ancient German elements 'beraht' which means 'bright' and 'wald' meaning 'rule'. Thus, Berchtold could translate as 'bright rule' and those with the Becktel surname may be descendants of a prominent rule maker in their lineage.

Today, the Becktel surname is not very common worldwide. It is mostly found in the United States of America, especially in the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio, possibly due to historical migration and settlement patterns. Individuals with the Becktel surname may also be found, albeit to a lesser extent, in certain parts of Europe, such as Germany, from where the name originally derived. However, it is quite rare in both locations.

Variations of the surname Becktel

The surname Becktel is somewhat uncommon and could potentially have different variants or spellings based on historical records, regional pronunciation, or other factors. Variations might include Bechtel, Bectel, Bechtol, Bechtell, Bechtal, Becktell, and Becketel.

The surname could also have different spellings among non-English speakers or in other countries. For instance, German origins of the name may spell it as Bechtold, Bechtolt, or Bechtle. Further variations include Bechteler, Bechtler, and Bechtloff in Germany. In French-speaking areas, it might be rendered as Bechtelle or Bechtoula.

The surname Becktel may be related to or a derivative of other surnames with similar sounds or roots. This could include names like Beck, Beckman, Becker, Beckert, Becton, and more.

All of these variants would presumably share the same origin, likely rooted in Germany or Central Europe. As with all surname origins, individual families may have their own stories or reasons for specific variations or spellings of their names.

Famous people with the name Becktel

• Ben Becktel: Ben Becktel is an American lacrosse player and coach who currently serves as the head coach of the University of Notre Dame's women's lacrosse team.
• Ken Becktel: Ken Becktel is the former Senior Vice President and CFO of Qualcomm Incorporated, a telecommunications and semiconductor company.
• Fred Becktel: Fred Becktel was an American football player and coach of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
• John Becktel: John Becktel served as an officer in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War.
• Don Becktel: Don Becktel was an American football and baseball player and coach of the early 1900s.
• Jim Becktel: Jim Becktel was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator.
• Peter Becktel:Peter Becktel was a Canadian curler, restaurant owner, and journalist from Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador.
• John M. Becktel: John M. Becktel was an American college football coach at Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
• Brooke Becktel: Brooke Becktel is a professional golfer who was a member of the 2011 World Cup of Golf.
• Jeff Becktel: Jeff Becktel is an American voice actor.

Other surnames

BecktholdBecktold