Surname Märkel - Meaning and Origin
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Märkel: What does the surname Märkel mean?
The last name Märkel is of German origin and is a diminutive form of the name Mark, which is derived from the Latin name Marcus. The meaning of Mark is “dedicated to Mars”, the Roman god of war. It is believed that the last name Märkel is derived from Mark or Märklin, meaning “pearl” or “little Mark.”
It is believed that the last name Märkel came from either the Middle Ages or the Viking invasions. During these periods, the use of patronymics (the association of a name to the father or ancestor) was common. Thus, it is likely that Märkel is derived from a particular ancestor of German origin.
Today, the last name Märkel is quite common in Germany and is also seen in countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. The name is borne by several notable individuals, such as German politicians Angela Merkel and Horst Märkel, and Dutch singer Bob Marley.
Many people who have the last name Märkel lead successful and productive lives, often making a positive contribution to their families, communities, and countries. They often embody the qualities of Mars, such as courage, strength of character, and perservance. Therefore, the last name Märkel can be seen to represent strength, courage, and success.
Order DNA origin analysisMärkel: Where does the name Märkel come from?
The last name Märkel is most commonly seen in Germany. It's estimated that about 11,500 people in Germany today carry the name. The name is said to have originated in East Prussia, which is now a part of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. It was likely derived from a Slavic word meaning "warrior." The name has since spread to other parts of Germany, particularly after the unification of the country in 1990. It is also seen in Austria, Switzerland, and parts of the United States with German heritage, such as Pennsylvania and New York.
The Märkel surname most recently rose to prominence with the election of Angela Merkel as the chancellor of Germany in 2005. Merkel is seen as one of the most influential politicians in modern German history, and her impact is still felt in the country and abroad today. The chancellor is not directly related to the larger Märkel family, though some distant relatives may exist. Merkel's father, Horst Kasner, is said to have changed their family surname from Märkel to make it easier for them to be accepted by the East German government at the time.
Though it is not classified as one of the most common surnames in Germany, the Märkel name is still seen in many parts of the country, particularly in the east. It has also spread beyond German borders to other parts of Europe and the United States, carrying a reminder of the family's ancestral past.
Variations of the surname Märkel
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Märkel include the following:
Markle—This is the most common variant and spelling of the surname, and is found in the United States and Canada.
Merkel—This spelling is found in both Europe and North America.
Markel—Here, the second syllable of the name is pronounced with a 'k' sound rather than a 'kel' sound.
Markell—This spelling is mainly found in the United States.
Markelle—This spelling is derived from a former given name, therefore it is the same origin as Märkel.
Merkle—This variant is found in Europe, North America, and Australia. It is used as both a given name and surname in Germany.
Merkl—This variant is found in German-speaking countries, and is used as both a given name and surname.
Märkel—The original spelling of the surname, which is found mainly in Germany.
Marklé—This spelling is mainly found in Quebec, Canada.
Markli—This spelling is found mainly in the United States and Canada.
Marckle—This variant is found mainly in the United States.
Mark—This variant is found mainly in the United Kingdom.
Merklin—This variant is found mainly in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
Markelene—This variation is a feminine form of the surname, which is mainly found in the United States.
Markelaine—This variation is a female form of the surname, which is mainly found in the United States and Canada.
Markleene—This variation is a feminine form of the surname, which is mainly found in the United States.
Marklo—This variant is found mainly in Europe.
Markelly—This variation is a female form of the surname, which is mainly found in the United States.
Marklee—This variant is mainly found in the United States.
Merkleman—This variation is a family name derived from a variant of Märkel, and is mainly found in the United States.
Famous people with the name Märkel
- Angela Merkel: Angela Dorothea Merkel is a German politician who has been the Chancellor of Germany since 2005.
- Wolfgang Merkel: Wolfgang Merkel is a German sociologist and political scientist.
- Jens Merkel: Jens Merkel is a German automotive engineer and CEO of Daimler AG.
- Gudrun Merkel: Gudrun Merkel is a German chemists and university professor
- Julia Märkel: Julia Märkel is a German actress and director.
- Markus Märkel: Markus Märkel is a former racing cyclist from Heidelberg, Germany.
- Armin Märkel: Armin Märkel is a member of the German Bundestag.
- Volker Märkel: Volker Märkel is a German horse trainer who competes in equestrian events.
- Doris Märkel: Doris Märkel is a German film and theater actress.
- Amanda Märkel: Amanda Märkel is a German actress and director.