Surname Handel - Meaning and Origin
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Handel: What does the surname Handel mean?
Handel is a surname of Germanic origin and it translates to "trade" or "commerce" in English. It was typically used as an occupational name for someone who was a trader or merchant in the middle ages, similar to how the surname Smith would denote someone who worked as a blacksmith. Variations of the name can be found across Europe due to the widespread influence of Germanic languages, especially in regions such as Scandinavia and the Netherlands. The most well-known person with this surname is the German-born British composer George Frideric Handel.
Order DNA origin analysisHandel: Where does the name Handel come from?
The surname Handel is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German term "handel," which means "trade, commerce." This moniker was generally given to a person who was a trader or merchant in the Middle Ages.
One of the most prominent people with this surname was George Frideric Handel, a renowned German-English Baroque composer who is best known for his opera "Messiah."
The surname Handel is still relatively common in Germany today. Apart from Germany, it may also be found in countries with a significant German-speaking population, such as Austria and Switzerland. Additionally, due to emigration over the years, the Handel name can also be found in the United States and other parts of the world. However, it's not considered a highly common surname globally.
Despite its origin, keep in mind that surnames can cross cultural and linguistic boundaries due to migration, hence they might be found in almost any part of the world.
Variations of the surname Handel
The surname Handel, of German origin, has several variations and synonymous forms. Variants include Handl, Haendel, Händel, and Hantel. These differing spellings emerge from various transliterations from non-German languages. For example, the spelling "Haendel" is often used in English speaking countries in place of the umlaut-containing "Händel."
In terms of related surnames, especially those emerging from the profession-based origin of "Handel" (which is German for "trade" or "commerce"), we can find Handler, and Handelman - typically indicative of a tradesman or merchant.
It's also worth mentioning that Handel can be of Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin, accounting for variations like Handelmann. Furthermore, in some Slavic-speaking countries, the surname has a variant as Handlovic or Handlovits.
There can also be a geographical element to the surname for individuals from places like Handel, a town in the Netherlands, or Haindel, a village in Germany.
Keep in mind, however, that the variations and origins can cross national and cultural lines depending on the specific familial history and migrations, so these are not exhaustive or exclusive categories.
Famous people with the name Handel
- George Frideric Handel: A prominent German-British Baroque composer, he is best known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos.
- Larry Handel: An American artist, photographer and entrepreneur.
- Chris Handel: An Australian sports commentator who has been part of several Olympic broadcasts.
- Martin Handel: A renowned German footballer who played professionally in the 1990s.
- Carola Handel-Mazzetti: An Austrian poet and writer, popular in the early 20th Century.
- Mark Handel: A Canadian entrepreneur and executive in the healthcare domain.
- Gerald Handel: An American sociologist known for his extensive work in sociology and social psychology.
- Joseph Handel: An English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Somerset. Please note that with the exception of the first couple of names, the remaining may not be globally recognized. The list primarily comprises of individuals who've achieved some degree of prominence in their respective fields.