Surname Hamels - Meaning and Origin
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Hamels: What does the surname Hamels mean?
The last name Hamels is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch word "hamel," which means "maker of hammer or nails." Historically, the name was used to identify those who made a living by shaping metal into hammers, nails, and other such tools. During the Middle Ages, blacksmiths and other black toolsmiths often had the last name Hamel, or its variant, Hamels, to differentiate them from the rest of the population. This name could also be used to denote someone who lived in a place called Hamel or Hamels.
Over the years, this name has spread across Europe, especially to the United States and other English-speaking countries. The spread of this name has led to multiple variant spellings, such as Hammel, Hamel, and Hammels. Generally, the use of the -s at the end signifies that the person is from the Netherlands, or of Dutch origin, while the lack of an -s at the end is typically used for those of German origin.
Throughout its history, the Hamels surname has been associated with hard work and independence. Many generations of Hamels have created strong legacies of hardworking and diligent individuals who valued resilience and self-sufficiency. This family name is indicative of an individual, and a family, who have worked hard for their achievements and are devoted to creating a legacy of which to be proud.
Order DNA origin analysisHamels: Where does the name Hamels come from?
The last name Hamels is a popular and common surname throughout Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Areas with a large Dutch-speaking population, such as North and South America, also have a sizeable presence of the last name in their populations. In France some of the most popular areas to find the name are in the north of the country, near Ardennes and the Flanders region, as well as Normandy and Picardy.
The Hamels surname is believed to have originated from the name "Hamel," which was a medieval Dutch, German and French given name. It is thought that the name is derived from the personal name "Hamala," which refers to a Germanic tribe. Over time, this name evolved into the last name Hamels.
Outside of Europe, the surname is also popular in the United States, where it is mostly found in Pennsylvania, especially in the Lehigh Valley region. In the US, many people of European descent who migrated there in the 1700s and 1800s adopted this surname.
Today, the majority of people with the surname Hamels are concentrated in Europe, with a prevalence in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. However, due to migration, it can also be found throughout the world, such as in parts of the United States, Canada, South America, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Hamels
The surname Hamels can have various spellings and variants, all originating from the same root name. The most common are Hamill, Hammell, Hamble, Hamblet, Hamlett, Hamblett, Hamblin, Hamlin, Hamelin, and Hamilton. Common spellings of Hamels include Hamill, Hammill, and Hamels.
The surname Hamels is derived from a number of variants of the Anglicized Irish Heimhleathain, coming from the name of an ancient Gaelic clan located throughout Ireland and Scotland. The name is composed of heimh, meaning “beautiful one” and leathain, meaning “leader”. As such, this ancient Gaelic ancestry, going back to the medieval era, is believed to be the root of the Hamels name.
The various spellings and surnames of Hamels are associated with areas in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England, where the name was most heavily used during the 16th, and 17th centuries, as well as the US. The presence of these spellings and variants can be found across numerous census records, local records, and family histories.
Today, the surname Hamels is found in many places throughout North America, the UK, and other parts of the world, representing people from diverse backgrounds and regions. These numerous spelling variations are the best evidence of how the name has evolved over time.
Famous people with the name Hamels
- Cole Hamels: professional baseball pitcher who plays in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Macy Hamels: American reality TV star, philanthropist, and wife of Cole Hamels.
- Michael Hamels: Dutch professional footballer who currently plays as a right back for Dutch club Rotterdam United.
- Nadia Hamels: Dutch fashion designer, model, and entrepreneur.
- Liron Hamels: Israeli football player who plays for Maccabi Petah Tikva FC.
- Pauline Hamels: Dutch professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for PEC Zwolle.
- Ashton Hamels: American YouTuber known for her beauty and lifestyle videos.
- Gayle Hamels: American radio and television personality, entrepreneur, and author.
- Ben Hamels: American film, television, and voice actor known for his recurring role on the FOX hit show Family Guy.
- Klaas-Jan Hamels: Dutch professional golfer who played on the European Tour in the 1990's.