Surname Middel - Meaning and Origin

Middel: What does the surname Middel mean?

The last name Middel is of German origin. It is a habitational or locational surname derived from any of the various places named Mittel, which comes from the German word meaning “middle”. Originally, the surnames indicated that the person who bore them was from one of these locations, often close to the geographical centre of the region. In the Middle Ages, many people migrated from the rural areas of Germany to the cities, taking their surnames with them.

Middel is most frequently found in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. During the period of high emigration (1800s to early 1900s), many German families moved to other parts of Europe, and to the United States, taking the surname with them. It is also possible that the name Middel may have been altered from a distinction made between two individuals who had the same name.

The name Middel is a unique name, and there are no spelling variations. Other variations of the name may include Middle, Midel, Mittel, and Middelmann. It is now an occupational name, used to indicate an individual who works in the middle, or as a mediator. It can also be used as a symbolic name, signifying an appreciation for order and balance.

Middel: Where does the name Middel come from?

The last name “Middel” is most commonly found in both Germany and the Netherlands today. In Germany, there were close to 500 people with the Middel name living in the country according to a 2018 survey. The largest concentration was located in the city of Berlin with the second largest concentration in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Most people with the Middel surname living in Germany today are descendants of Dutch immigrants who arrived there in the 19th century and early 20th century.

In the Netherlands, the surnames Middel and Middelkampen are quite common. A 2019 survey found that nearly 1,800 people had the last name of Middel living in the Netherlands, mostly spread out through the provinces of Noord-Holland, Utrecht, and Gelderland. The name can also be commonly found in the cities and towns of Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

The etymology of the name suggesting it is derived from the Middle German ‘middel’ meaning “middle” or ‘medel’ meaning “moderate”. It is thought to have originally been a nickname that was eventually adopted as a surname in the Low Countries. Interestingly, the name has been in use since the 12th century when it was adopted by people in the Middle Ages. It is likely that the bearers of the name were living in the middle of a settlement or were of moderate height.

Variations of the surname Middel

The surname Middel originates from Dutch language and is derived from the medieval given name “Midil” or “Midling”, which means ‘center’ or ‘middle’. This surname can be spelled in several different forms. Some of these spellings, along with their surnames of the same origin, are as follows:

Medel:

Medel, Medell, Medel'rey, Medel, Medler, Midelman, Midel, Middle, Middleman, Midelment, Middlement, Mittel, Mittelman, Mittelmann, Medlam.

Meedel:

Meedel, Meedell, Meedel'rey, Meedel, Meedler, Meidelman, Meidel, Meiddle, Meiddleman, Meidelment, Meiddlement, Meittel, Meittelman, Meittelmann, Meedlam.

Middel:

Middel, Middell, Middel'rey, Middel, Middler, Middelman, Middled, Middle, Middleman, Middelment, Middledment, Mittel, Mittelman, Mittelmann, Middlam.

Mittal:

Mittal, Mittall, Mittal'rey, Mittal, Mittler, Mittleman, Mittle, Mitttle, Mittleman, Mittlement, Mittlement, Mitttel, Mitttelman, Mitttelmann, Mittlam.

Mittel:

Mittel, Mittel, Mittel'rey, Mittel, Mittler, Mittleman, Mittle, Mitttle, Mittleman, Mittlement, Mittlement, Mitttel, Mitttelman, Mitttelmann, Mittlam.

The surnames mentioned above are all derived from a similar origin and for the most part, are interchangeable in spelling and pronunciation. The surname can be found in records from many countries, such as Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States.

Famous people with the name Middel

• Jamie Middel: Dutch actress known for her roles in films such as Shoujo and Het Verhaal van de Winkel.
• Jeroen Middel: Dutch cyclist who has competed in multiple disciplines, including cyclocross and speed skating.
• Joost Middel: Dutch stage actor, director, set designer, and theater critic.
• Chris Middel: Dutch Professional Racing Driver with championship experience in many different series.
• Martin Middel: Dutch singer-songwriter, producer, and actor best known for his work with the band De Staat.
• Jelmer Middel: Dutch film composer and sound designer, best known for his work on the blockbuster film Paul Verhoeven's The 4th Man.
• Arnoud Middel: Dutch author, poet, and screenwriter, best known for his award-winning novel Artificiële Intelligentie.
• Willem Middel: Dutch multimedia artist best known for his interactive installations and web-based projects.
• Pieter Middel: Dutch actor, best known for his starring role in the critically acclaimed television series Penoza.
• Elle Middel: Dutch singer-songwriter and actress, best known for her work in the Dutch pop band Brandbloed.

Other surnames

MiddeckeMiddekeMiddelbeckMiddeldorfMiddeldorffMiddelerMiddelfeldtMiddelhofMiddelhoffMiddelhoveMiddelkampMiddelkötterMiddelmannMiddelschulteMiddelsdorfMiddelstädtMiddelstaedtMiddelveldMiddenMiddendorfMiddendorffMiddendorpMidderhofMidderhoffMiddeweg