Surname Kriegel - Meaning and Origin
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Kriegel: What does the surname Kriegel mean?
The last name Kriegel is of German origin. It is derived from the German term ‘Krieger’ meaning ‘warrior’ or ‘fighter’, and was likely given as a surname to a person in medieval times who was believed to possess the qualities of a warrior - courage, strength, honor, and bravery. It was also a former name for a cavalry soldier, and some families who bear the name are likely descended from such horsemen.
The surname has spread throughout the world, but is still especially common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also occasionally found in France, Belgium, and the Americas.
The name has also been very influential to many famous people over the years who have adopted it as a professional surname, such as the German actor Heinz Kriegel, the American author Leonard Kriegel, and the German playwright Max Kriegel. The name has even reached Hollywood, as Kriegel was notably used by the British actor Warren Kriegel in the popular movie ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’.
Overall, the surname Kriegel is associated with a strong sense of integrity and courage, and reflects an individual who is determined and brave in battle as well as in life's endeavors.
Order DNA origin analysisKriegel: Where does the name Kriegel come from?
The last name Kriegel is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. It is also found in neighboring countries like Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Luxembourg. In the US, the name is mainly concentrated around the Rust Belt states, with the highest concentration of 1,400 in Indiana. The earliest records of the name date back to 1230 in Austria. The name is of Germanic origin, meaning "quiet ruler."
In the US today, the name Kriegel is mostly located in the Midwestern and Eastern states. The states with the highest concentrations are Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and New York.
In the UK, the name is relatively rare. The earliest records of the name date back to 1685. The name is most concentrated in the London area, with the highest concentration being near the Isle of Ely in Cambridgeshire.
Among Jewish populations, the name has increasd in popularity in recent times. Most of the Kriegels can be found in Hebrew countries like Israel and in various US cities like Miami, Baltimore, and Chicago.
Overall, the last name Kriegel is most commonly seen in German speaking countries and regions. In the US, it is more widespread in the Rust Belt states and other eastern and midwestern states. In the UK, the name is mainly concentrated near the Isle of Ely in Cambridgeshire. Today, Kriegel is also more popular among the Jewish population in Israel and some US cities like Miami, Baltimore, and Chicago.
Variations of the surname Kriegel
The surname Kriegel has a variety of spellings and variants among different cultures. In German and Italian culture, the surname is spelled ‘Kriegel’ and is likely derived from the pre-7th century word ‘kriegen’ which means ‘to defend, battle or strive’. In Nordic countries like Finland, the name is usually spelled ‘Kriegell’. In French and Belgium, the name is spelled ‘Crieger’, again likely derived from pre-7th century words, in this case ‘cri’ meaning ‘gross’ or ‘valiant’.
In the Czech Republic, the surname is spelled ‘Kriegl’ and in Poland ‘Krygel’. In Austria, the name is likely derived from an old Germanic form ‘Krygelle’ which is also found in Hungary, contemporary Slovakia, and Romania.
In the United States, the name is often spelled ‘Kriegel’. A further variation is ‘Kriegelstein’, derived from the word ‘stein’ meaning ‘rock’ or ‘stone’. Somewhat less common, but nevertheless related to the Kriegel family are the surnames ‘Kregel’, ‘Kreigle’, and ‘Krygier’ found in the United States.
Other variants of the name include Krigel which also has its roots in German, and the Dutch surname ‘Kregel’. In South Africa and Israel, the name is spelled ‘Krige’ which is derived from Afrikaans and German, respectively.
In all, there are over 30 surnames of Kriegel origin. They have all evolved from ancient words that refer to battle, defense, or strength.
Famous people with the name Kriegel
- Alan Kriegel: American businessman and author best known for his founding and role in the early development of gastroenterology.
- Jack Kriegel: American tennis player who reached the quarter finals of the men's doubles event at the 1962 US Open.
- Scott Kriegel: American professional ice hockey player who has held multiple hitting records in the United States Hockey League (USHL).
- Bob Kriegel: American professional golfer who has won several tournaments throughout the United States.
- Will Kriegel: American professional baseball pitcher who has played with multiple teams in the minor leagues of baseball.
- Karl Kriegel: German Roman Catholic priest and theologian who wrote several works on the topic of liberation theology.
- Thomas Kriegel: American film director, writer, and producer of more than 30 feature films, mainly in the genres of westerns and adventure films.
- Michael Kriegel: German composer and music producer who has written and produced award-winning works inspired by classical music.
- Johann Kriegel: Austrian-Jewish painter active in Vienna during the 19th century.
- Elizabeth Kriegel: American author and biographer who published several acclaimed works of literary biography.