Surname Hegel - Meaning and Origin
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Hegel: What does the surname Hegel mean?
The last name Hegel is a German topographical surname derived from abodes originating during the Middle Ages. It ultimately derives from the German word hegel, which means "hedge," "fence," "enclosure," or "walls." It is believed that the name was given to individuals who lived near or inside of a wall or hedge.
The last name Hegel can also be a form of the surname Hegelman, which itself is derived from the Middle High German name Helgeman or Heilgeman, meaning "holy man." This was a name given to an individual who was considered to be wise and religious, or even a man of a certain rank.
The Hegel family name has been spread throughout the world as the emperor Frederick II of Germany settled many families from Germany into his domains during the 13th century. His ceremony of settlement became known as the "Hegelian settlement," and families with the last name can be found in Austria, certain Eastern European countries, and even England, where the last name was Anglicized to Hegler.
The popularity of the last name Hegel was also further increased through the fame of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, a German philosopher and a proponent of the philosophy of Idealism who was born in Stuttgart in 1770. His philosophical works such as his most famous work The Phenomenology of Spirit, have given the last name a lasting legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisHegel: Where does the name Hegel come from?
The last name Hegel is most common in Germany, where it is one of the 100 most common surnames. It is also fairly common in other parts of Europe, particularly Austria, Poland, France, and a few other countries. The surname is uncommon in the United States, although there are some Hegel families in America.
The origins of the name Hegel are unclear, but some believe it may be derived from Middle High German hevel, which refers to an exposed hilltop. Alternatively, the name may be from the Middle High German word haegle, which means a hunting sharpened stick. A third possible origin for the name is from the Middle High German hegel or hagel, meaning a furrow in a field.
The philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, popularized the surname throughout Europe in the early 19th century and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern philosophy. His works blended classical ideas with his own, groundbreaking theories.
Outside the United States, the surname Hegel has become an established part of the European ancestry and remains quite common in some parts of the continent. Many descendants of the original Hegel families can still be found in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe.
Variations of the surname Hegel
The surname Hegel is a German name, derived from the Middle High German word “Heghel” or “Heil” meaning 'fence'. It is an occupational name for someone who made or repaired fences or hedges. The spelling and surname variants for Hegel include: Hegele, Hegle, Hegl, Heigl, Heigler, Heiglreiter, Heidle, Heigel, Heilig, Heiliger, Heiling, Heilmann, Heilmeier, Heilman, Heilzapfel and Heilzer.
The surname Hegel can also be found in some other countries and sometimes anglicized. In the United Kingdom, the surname Hegel can be seen as Heggel, Haggel or Hagel. In the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries, the surname Hegel can be seen as Heggell or Heggel. In the United States and Canada, it is seen as Hegle, Heigl, or Hegl.
The fancy coat of arms for the surname Hegel has a red field with a gold heraldic castle with two open doors, a shield on the left and a lion walking to the right. This symbolizes strength and bravery. The crest is a blue bearded man in profile facing the left. This crest is an early symbol of the Heggel family in Germany.
The surname Hegel can have various spellings and different variants depending on the country it is found in, but the origin remains the same and is derived from the Middle High German word “Heghel” or “Heil” meaning 'fence'.
Famous people with the name Hegel
- Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: German philosopher, best known for his work on phenomenology, philosophy of history, and metaphysics.
- Carl Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: German historian, brother of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
- Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von Schelling: German philosopher, collaborator with Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
- Immanuel Hermann von Fichte: German philosopher, student of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
- Reinhold Bernhard Jachmann: German philosopher, also a student of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
- Karl Heinrich Marx: German philosopher and economist, heavily influenced by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
- Carl Ludwig Michelet: German philosopher, student and professor of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
- Joachim Nietzsche: German philosopher, heavily influenced by the work of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
- Paul Tillich: German-American theologian, professor of theology and philosophy heavily influenced by the work of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
- Ernst Cassirer: German philosopher, heavily influenced by the work of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.