Surname Neckel - Meaning and Origin
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Neckel: What does the surname Neckel mean?
The last name Neckel is believed to be of German origin and first appear in Prussia during the 17th century. The earliest recorded spelling of the surname Neckel was found in the official records of Arnsdorf in Eastern Prussia in 1602. The spelling of the surname may have changed over the centuries.
The meaning of the surname Neckel is uncertain. Some sources suggest it could be derived from the German word 'neckeln' which describes someone who is flexible and quick to react; while other sources suggest that it could be derived from the old German name Nikla, meaning 'victory'. It is also possible that the surname Neckel was adopted from an old German word meaning 'knot' or 'knotty'.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its origin, Neckel families still exist today in Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. Neckel is not a particularly common surname, with only a small number of families carrying the name, however, many Neckel families are very proud of their heritage.
Throughout its many centuries of existence, the Neckel surname has been preserved by families who have maintained their long-standing tradition and commitment to their heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisNeckel: Where does the name Neckel come from?
The last name Neckel is most commonly found in Germany today. Neckel is an occupational surname that was derived from the Middle High German word ‘neckere’ or ‘necheren’, which means ‘to wring clothes’. The name was used to identify those who worked in the laundering industry in medieval Germany. Neckel is also seen spelled as Neckelmann, Neckle, Necklen, Nekel, Neckler, Nekell, Nekl, Neukle and Neukel.
The modern Neckel family originated from the old German states of Hesse-Nassau and Prussia. It is most common in the East Germany states like Brandenburg and Saxony Anhalt, as well as the western region of North Rhine-Westphalia. Smaller numbers are found in concentrations throughout the rest of Germany. There is also a presence of Neckel in neighboring countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland.
In the United States, Neckel is most commonly seen in Texas, although very small numbers of Neckels can be found in other states such as Ohio and Wisconsin. Neckel is also common in countries such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa with German immigrants.
Throughout the world, the Neckel family name carries on, now in a variety of different spellings. Its significance is still seen in how it is derived from a trade that served as one of the main sources of livelihood in medieval times.
Variations of the surname Neckel
The surname Neckel is a German-language surname, originating from the Middle High German personal name ‘Neckel’ which has the meaning “little nook or corner”. The surname Neckel is most commonly found in Germany, but it can also be found in Austria and other European countries.
The variants and spellings of Neckel are Nikkel, Nickel, Nickel, Neklem, Nekle, Nikle, Nickels, Nickle, Neckle, Nikle, Niklas, Niklos, Niklas, and Neckelmann.
Neckel can also be found in numerous variations of its spelling such as Neckler, Naickler, Neigler, Negler, Neukler, Nikler, Niukler, Neykler, Neycheckle, or Nickleman.
The surnames of similar origin are Nikolaus (corresponding to the Greek equivalent of “Victor of the People”), Nicolai (“carries victory”), and Niels (“son of the victorious”). Neckelmann is a surname that is derived from the old German name Neckelmann, meaning “son of the little nook”. Other surnames also derived from the same origin are Nickelson, Nickels, Nickelsbach, Nickelschek, and Nickelen.
In conclusion, Neckel is an old German surname with many variants, spellings, and surnames of a similar origin. Its most common variants are Nikkel, Nickel, Neckelmann, and Nickelsbach. Other surnames of the same origin include Nikolaus, Nicolai and Niels.
Famous people with the name Neckel
- Sebastian Neckel: an award-winning screenwriter and director from Germany who wrote and directed films such as The White Masai and The Girl from the Song.
- Johann Anton Neckel: an Austrian classical music composer who wrote holy music pieces in the Late Baroque era.
- Max Neckel: a German psychologist and philosopher from the early 20th century who wrote several books on the subject of psychology.
- Wilhelm Neckel: a German theologian, hymn writer, and socially engaged Prussian court preacher at the end of the 19th century.
- Johann Neckel: a German sculptor known for his sculptures in bronze, including the statue of Hermann von Salza in the New Garten of Berlin.
- Manfred Neckel: a German voice actor, narrator, and dubbing director most well-known for dubbing the German language versions of Disney films.
- Fanny Neckel: a German socialist, pacifist, and feminist writer from the late 19th century and early 20th century.
- Ludwig Neckel: a German linguist and professor from the 19th and early 20th century who wrote several books on the history of German grammar and syntax.
- Wilhelm George Neckel: a German professor of psychology from the early 20th century, best-known for his pioneering work on the psychology of education.
- Anton Bech Neckel: a Norwegian businessman from the 19th century, best-known for founding the brewing company Ringnes.