Surname Hempell - Meaning and Origin

Hempell: What does the surname Hempell mean?

The last name Hempell is of German origin. It is derived from the German word 'Hempe', which translates to hemp, referring to garments made from hemp fabric or rope made of hemp fibers. Over time, the term 'Hempe' was altered to 'Hempel', with the 'l' added to indicate the possessive form of the word.

The surname is a habitational name, referring to someone who resided on land associated with or near hemp resources. Historically, hemp production was an important part of the German economy and culture. Hemp was used to make clothing, paper, rope, and more. As such, many people built their homes near hemp crops in order to facilitate the manufacturing process.

The Hempell surname is found primarily in northern Germany, as well as in areas of Europe formerly controlled by the German Empire. It is also found in several countries in the Americas, where many German immigrants settled in the 19th century. In addition, there are several variations of the last name, including Hempen, Hempfel, and Hemophile.

Today, the last name Hempell is quite common, especially among those of Germanic descent. For those with the surname, it is a reflection of their rich German heritage and a reminder of the importance of hemp in German society.

Hempell: Where does the name Hempell come from?

The Hempell surname is most common in Germany today, though some families bearing the name can also be found in other parts of Europe, the United States, and even Canada. The Hempell name can be traced back to the 12th century, where it was primarily found in northern Germany.

The majority of Hempells bearing the name today probably descend from a Protestant family in the Bremen area, which populated in increasing numbers between the 17th and early 18th centuries. Other Hempells in Germany can trace their roots to Hesse, a somewhat smaller region with a large Protestant presence.

The Hempell surname is rarer in the United States and Canada but can still be found in some pockets of the population. A few United States records suggest a connection between the surname Hempell and Mennonites of German or Swiss descent who emigrated to Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Descendants of these immigrants may still carry the Hempell name.

Beyond Germanic countries, the Hempell name has seen some usage in France, Poland, and elsewhere. Records of individuals with the Hempell surname living in France may point to a connection with French Huguenots. Overall, the Hempell name is relatively rare but is still popular in certain regions of Europe, particularly in northern Germany.

Variations of the surname Hempell

The surname Hempell has a few distinct variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Hempell is a German surname that can be spelled as Hempel, Hempel, Hemple, Hempl, Hempall, Hempill, Hampel, and Hempton. Hempall is a spelling variation of the original German surname Hempell. The English variant of the name is Hempton, which is derived from the same German origins. Hempel and Hempel are Dutch spellings of the original German name, while Hempl and Hempill are Austrian and Bohemian spelling variations.

The surname is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "Hampel" which means plait or braid, referring to someone who would make plaited wicker baskets. It can also be derived from the Old High German word "hamel" which means muddy field, and was likely used as a nickname for someone who lived in a region of particularly muddy soil.

The surname Hempell is found in many countries with an immigrant population of Germans or of German heritage, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Famous people with the name Hempell

• Katharina Hempell: German actress.
• Manuela Hempell: German politician.
• Chris Hempell: American actor, writer and filmmaker.
• Haas Hempell: Brazilian artist.
• Margaret Hempell: Canadian social and political activist.
• William Hempell: American sculptor and installation artist.
• Matthew Hempell: British multi-disciplinary designer.
• Kole Hempell: American professional basketball player.
• Thomas Hempell: German diplomat and former state Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Justice.
• Carl Hempell: German banker and entrepreneur.
• Hildegarde Hempell: German painter and designer.
• Cathy Hempell: Canadian star ice skater.
• Albert Hempell: German classical archaeologist.
• Emma Hempell: Swedish writer and journalist.
• Martha Hempell: Brazilian banker and businessperson.
• Heinrich Hempell: German art school director and painter.
• Hanns Hempell: German businessman and music producer.
• Paul Hempell: American actor.
• Harald Hempell: Austrian singer and songwriter.
• Andrea Hempell: German economist and professor.

Other surnames

HempeHempelHempenstall