Surname Meinl - Meaning and Origin
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Meinl: What does the surname Meinl mean?
The last name Meinl is a Germanic name of German and Austrian origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word “mein” meaning “mine” or “belonging to me”. As such, it is likely to have originally been a patronymic name, specifically, a surname based on the given name of a male ancestor.
It is possible that the name was taken on by a family of miners in Germany and Austria, referring to the family's ownership of a particular mine or mines. It may also have been taken on to denote a special relationship between a lord and his vassal, referring to the lord as “mine”.
The name Meinl is also found in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Australia. It may be that the name was taken on by immigrants to these countries as an indication of their Germanic background.
The surname is a common one, with both positive and negative connotations. It is a reminder of a family's Germanic origins, and of the hard work and dedication such an ancestor likely put into protecting and providing for their family. On the other hand, it can also indicate a certain stubbornness and a strong need to get what one wants – a characteristic that can be both a blessing and a curse.
Order DNA origin analysisMeinl: Where does the name Meinl come from?
The last name Meinl is most commonly found in central and eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. This is thought to be primarily due to the name's medieval-era German roots, which spread as more and more people immigrated to those regions centuries ago.
It is still possible to find some Meinl families in other parts of Europe, too. In Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, for example, the name is found among some records from the 16th century. Today, there are still a few people carrying the name Meinl across southern parts of Scandinavia, Portugal, and Italy.
In terms of where it is most common today, the majority of Meinls live in Germany and Austria, where the name is present in both rural and urban settings. The estimated population of Meinls worldwide is estimated to be around 20,000 - 30,000.
Outside of Europe, people with the Meinl name can be found in several places around the world, as far flung as the United States, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. It is clear that the Meinl name has moved well beyond its geographical origins, making it a truly global phenomenon.
Variations of the surname Meinl
The surname Meinl is derived from a German word meaning ‘pleasant’ or ‘dear friend’, and from the Middle High German mein, meaning ‘mine’. It is a relatively uncommon name, with variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin being relatively few.
One common variant of the surname is Mainl, which is an alternative spelling of the same origin.
Another variant of the surname is Maynle, which is a variant of the same.
Another variant of the surname is Meier, which is a different form of Meinl.
Meinz is another variant, which is a spelling variation of Meinl as well.
Maynl is another spelling variation, as are Meinle, Menle and Memle.
Meinelt and Meinel are further variations, both being abbreviations of Meinl.
Meinhold is another variant, deriving from the Germanic name of Meinhold.
Mein and Meinelbe are two further spellings of the surname.
Meim is another variant of the surname, derived from the contemporary spelling of Meinl.
Meine, Meinelh and Meiners are further variations of the same origin.
Finally, Meinke, Mainer and Meinert are additional variants and spellings of the surname Meinl.
Famous people with the name Meinl
- Andreas Meinl: Austrian investor and businessman
- Heinrich Meinl: Austrian industrial coffee roaster
- Marcus Meinl: German entrepreneur and artist
- Paul Meinl: Austrian entrepreneur
- Philipp Meinl: Austrian entrepreneur
- Richard Meinl: German actor
- Sebastian Meinl: German entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Susan Meinl: Australian poet
- Thomas Meinl: German entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Vinzenz Meinl: Austrian entrepreneur and winemaker