Surname Kriebel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kriebel: What does the surname Kriebel mean?
The surname Kriebel is of German-Jewish origin and is derived from the Middle High German words “krivel” or “kriebel” meaning “little creature” or “creature”. It is an occupational name for someone who hunted small animals or birds. It may also have been used as a nickname to refer to somebody who was small, lively, or energetic.
The Kriebel surname can still be found mostly in eastern Germany and Poland today. According to the House of Names, this surname is most likely to occur in the states of Hesse, Thuringia, Saxony, Brandenburg, and Berlin. It is also popular in the United States, where it is the 4,417th most common surname.
The Kriebel surname can be traced back to at least the 16th century when Konrad Krebel is mentioned in an old German parish register from Schmalkalden, a small city in the German state of Thuringia. The Kriebel family diversified across Europe over the years, and members of this family could be seen in just about every European country in one time or another.
The Kriebel surname is a reminder of the many Jewish families that faced persecution in Europe, leading to their decision to flee the continent in many cases. Those who stayed faced further oppression, some even facing death for their beliefs. Today the Kriebels are a lasting reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the many struggles the Jewish people have faced through the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisKriebel: Where does the name Kriebel come from?
The last name Kriebel is French in origin and was most commonly found in the region of Alsace-Lorraine, which is located between the modern-day countries of France and Germany. In more recent decades, however, the migration of people bearing this name has become more widespread, and it can now be found in many countries across the world.
In the United States, the most common location for Kriebel surnames is Pennsylvania. The census of 2000 reported 563 US citizens with this name, all of whom were likely descended from the original 1800s immigrants who brought the name to Pennsylvania. Other areas with strong concentrations of Kriebellast names include Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana, Massachusetts, and California. On a global scale, Kriebel is most common in Germany, followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Honduras, and Switzerland.
Within Germany, the Kriebel surname tends to be concentrated in the southern regions of the country. In particular, the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg (each of which is located in southwestern Germany) are most commonly associated with Kriebel last names. It is also found in some eastern German states, with a notable presence in Brandeburg.
Overall, the Kriebel last name is widely distributed throughout the United States and Europe. It is still most common in the Alsace-Lorraine region, though it has become increasingly globalized as more and more people bearing the name have chosen to live and raise families in various parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Kriebel
The variant spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kriebel are Kriegel, Kriegl, Kriegler, Kriegle, Kriebeler, and Kreibel. All of these surnames have the same Germanic origin in Old High German, where krieg means ‘battle’.
Kriegel/Kriegl/Kriegler are derived from the Middle High German version of krieg, which is kriege. The Middle High German phrase kriegele meant ‘little battle’, and this evolved into the modern German words Kriegel and Kriegl. This version of the surname refers to someone who was brave, strong, and determined in battle.
Kriegle/Kriebeler/ Kreibel originally comes from the Middle High German phrase kribbel, which meant ‘exciting and enthusiastic’. This evolved to the modern German word Kriegle, which has the same meaning. This version of the surname refers to someone who was adventurous and eager to explore.
The popularity of the Kriebel surname in Germany can be traced all the way back to the 12th century when it was used by aristocratic families. It was also a common surname among German immigrants who settled in the United States during the 19th century.
No matter what version of the surname is used, the surname Kriebel is derived from the same ancient Germanic root. It is a surname that is rich in history and has been used for generations by many families.
Famous people with the name Kriebel
- Matt Kriebel- Matt Kriebel is a stand-up comedian who performs regularly at Laugh Boston and the Comedy Studio as well as touring all over the US.
- John S. Kriebel- John S. Kriebel is a Pennsylvania state representative, serving as a Republican for the 146th District.
- Shelby Kriebel- Shelby Kriebel is a professional dancer known for appearing on "So You Think You Can Dance," as well as starring in Netflix's "The Get Down."
- Bill Kriebel- Bill Kriebel is a highly successful CPA with over 25 years of experience in risk management, audit, and finance. He is the founder of Kriebel & Associates LLC.
- Chris Kriebel- Chris Kriebel is a professional golf coach, instructor, and player. He has had a successful career with top finishes in many tournaments since 2007.
- Chris Kriebel- Chris Kriebel is a professional rugby union player who has represented Argentina at the international level since 2005, playing for sides including La Plata RFU and the Ruca Rugby Club.
- Manuel Kriebel- Manuel Kriebel is a German footballer who currently plays for FC Kaiserslautern in the 3. Liga. He has won numerous senior and junior titles both in Germany and internationally.
- John L. Kriebel- John L. Kriebel is an American musician, songwriter, and producer. He has worked with a variety of artists and has produced five albums for various artists.
- Tyler Kriebel- Tyler Kriebel is an American Olympic wrestler in the Greco-Roman category. He won bronze at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
- Kenneth Kriebel- Kenneth Kriebel is a former American football coach. He was the head coach at the University of Pennsylvania from 1939 to 1958.