Surname Epel - Meaning and Origin
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Epel: What does the surname Epel mean?
The last name Epel has origins in Ashkenazi Jewish culture and likely originated in Eastern Europe. It is derived from the Hebrew word “apalim”, meaning “gentlemen”. It is believed that the name began as an occupational name, given to individuals who acted as diplomats or mediators between overlapping territories.
Outside of Ashkenazi culture, the last name Epel is common in Germany, where it is spelled "Eppel". In this region, the name is often ceremonial and implies that a person's ancestors arrived in the area from a region where Jews used the original form of the name.
In the United States, the last name Epel is generally associated with Jewish ancestry. It is used as a family name amongst Jews in the United States, though its use among non-Jewish Americans is much rarer. Notable individuals with the last name Epel include the architect and artist Leopold Epel and the noted jurist and civil rights advocate Alexander Epel.
In general, the last name Epel conveys a sense of dignity, tradition, and reputation—all qualities that are traditionally associated with the figure of the “gentleman.” To many contemporary individuals with the last name Epel, it is a reflection of their ethnic heritage that provides a tangible link to the past.
Order DNA origin analysisEpel: Where does the name Epel come from?
The last name Epel is most commonly found in Germany, where it is estimated that around 900 people have this last name. However, Epel can also be found in other countries including the United States, England, Israel, and France.
In the United States, it is estimated that there are around 170 people with the last name Epel. The largest populations are located in states with the largest Jewish populations, such as New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Florida. Additionally, the name is becoming increasingly more popular in states in the Southern part of the United States due to migration from other countries.
In England, there are estimated to be around 120 people with this last name, concentrated around London.
In Israel there are estimated to be around 250 people with the last name Epel, located mainly around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Epel is also quite common in France, with estimated approximations of at least 150 people with this last name. Most of the population of Epels in France are concentrated in Paris and its surrounding areas.
The last name Epel has a rich history, and is still a common name in many countries around the world today.
Variations of the surname Epel
The surname Epel is originally of German origin and is derived from the name Apfel, the German word for apple. It is believed to have been originally given as a nickname to someone with a ruddy complexion, thought to resemble an apple. Variants and alternative spellings of the surname Epel include Apfel, Apfl, Appel, Appell, Eppell, Eppel and Oppel.
In Jewish populations, the surname Epel is a variant of the surname Hepple, derived from the Hebrew word for apple. In the United States some families have taken the surname Apple, as an Anglicised form of Epel. Surnames with similar etymological origins, but derived from different languages, include Apffel (German); Apelf (Dutch); Pott (German); Tradigo, Tragedi, and Mele (Italian); MacAbre (Scottish-Gaelic); Piere (Old French); and Petrikovics (Hungarian).
In some cases, a person's surname may have changed over time. This may have been done for diverse reasons, such as difficulty with their original spelling, adaptation to a new country's language, or simply because of prejudice or misunderstanding. One example of a name which has changed over time is Oppel. This surname has its origins in the German surname Epel, however it was sometimes changed to Oppel in the United States as an attempt to Anglicise it.
In conclusion, there are numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Epel which have arisen over time due to diverse reasons, such as language barriers, adaptation, or misunderstanding. Although the origins of these surnames are the same, their spelling, pronunciation, and meaning can differ depending on the language they are derived from.
Famous people with the name Epel
- Janina Epel, German lawyer
- Michael Epel, physicist and senior editor of the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering
- Felix Epel, German novelist and poet
- Walter Epel, Austrian musicologist and editor
- Arnon Epel, Israeli naval historian and defense specialist
- Šárka Zeithaml-Epel, Czech-Austrian entomologist
- Max Epel, German-American rabbi
- Adam Epel, Argentinian-American musician
- Willem Epel, Dutch sculptor
- Ann Epel, American writer and academic