Surname Hemmel - Meaning and Origin
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Hemmel: What does the surname Hemmel mean?
The last name Hemmel is of German and Dutch origin. In German, the name Hemmel is derived from the German word "hemmel" which means "gentle and kind" or "like a lamb". In Dutch, the meaning of the name Hemmel is "home".
The surname Hemmel originated as an occupational name for a woolen worker, or a person who took care of domestic animals. It could have also been a nickname for someone with a sweet disposition. In some cases, it could have been a topographic name, referring to someone who lived near a patch of hemmel grass.
The name Hemmel was not widespread in Europe until the 19th century. Records of the surname in Germany date back to the 16th century when Martin Hemmel appeared in the city of Salzburg in the year 1596. During this period, the majority of bearers of the name Hemmel would have had occupations in farming and animal husbandry.
Today, as a surname, Hemmel is most common in the German-speaking countries of Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Outside of Europe, the name Hemmel is found in the United States, Canada and Australia.
Order DNA origin analysisHemmel: Where does the name Hemmel come from?
The last name Hemmel is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, although it has been found in other countries as well. In Germany, the name is most commonly found in the Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hesse states. There are also records that show that the surname has been found in the Czech Republic, France, and the United States in more recent times.
The origin of the surname Hemmel is not entirely clear, but it likely stems from the Middle High German word hemmel which means ‘tender’, ‘gentle’, or ‘kind’. As such it is likely that the name originated as a nickname for someone who was seen as gentle and kind.
The name Hemmel is common enough in Germany today that it is not particularly rare or unusual. However, it is still not one of the most common last names in the country. In 2014, there were an estimated 764 bearers of the name, with the majority of them being found in the Rhineland-Palatinate region.
It is fair to say that the name Hemmel is today a relatively uncommon name, but it is still widespread enough to find bearers of the name scattered throughout Germany and other European countries.
Variations of the surname Hemmel
The surname Hemmel is a German family name. It has undergone changes in spelling over time. The Hemmel spelling entered the English language when German immigrants arrived in the USA in the 17th and 18th centuries. Some variants and spellings of the surname include Hemmel, Hemel, Himmel, Heimel, Himel, and Heemel.
In Germany, the name takes on two forms that differ from each other in spelling depending on geographical location. In Lower Bavaria, the spelling is Hemel, while in Upper Germany, the spelling is Hemmel.
Variations of the surname in the German language outside of Lower Bavaria and Upper Germany include Himmle, Heimle, Hemele, Heimle, and Himle. In the Netherlands, this name is spelled Himmel. In Austria, the spelling is Himel.
In the USA, variations and spellings of the last name Hemmel have been found to include Hemel, Hemmele, and Himel. In Canada the surname is found spelled Hummel.
The surname Hemmel has also taken on many variants and spellings in other languages. In Spain, this surname is spelled Emel. In France, the spelling is Himmel. In Hungary, the spelling is Himel.
Finally, many other surnames are derived from the surname Hemmel, due to spelling variations and changes in pronunciation over time. These include, but are not limited to, Hemiller, Heimeler, Himbler, Hemal, Heml, Himmler, Hemmler, and Hummeler.
Famous people with the name Hemmel
- Robert Hemmel: American artist from Baltimore, Maryland.
- Alex Hemmel: writer, director, and producer; known as the creator of the UK series "Love & Friendship".
- Kai Hemmel: German football player; currently playing for the Bundesliga club Hoffenheim.
- Ina Hemmel: German actress, known for roles in "The Cosmopolitans" and "The Benefit of Doubt".
- Jennifer Hemmel: American fashion designer and socialite based in Los Angeles, California.
- Anne Hemmel: American professional racer and competitor on the Pirelli World Challenge series.
- Christopher Hemmel: British composer; his works include the score for the movie "Our Kind of Traitor".
- Toby Hemmel: Swiss alpine skier; competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Shannon Hemmel: American actress, dancer, and singer; known for touring on the musical "Wicked".
- John Hemmel: German professional athlete; champion of the German Marathon Championships in 2015.