Surname Negele - Meaning and Origin

Negele: What does the surname Negele mean?

The surname Negele originates from the Middle German language and is thought to be derived from the word “negel”. This word typically refers to someone who had a nail or spike as a weapon. It is most likely that the name originated as a nickname given to an ancestor due to their occupation or even physical characteristics.

The Negele surname is found throughout Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is not uncommon to find Negeles in the United States and Canada as well, as people with this surname have emigrated from these countries and other places in Europe.

The Negele surname is often associated with the Jewish faith, as it is of German Jewish descent, although it is also used by Christians. The surname is found in many Jewish records, including synagogue records and gravestones dating as far back as the eighteenth century.

Negele is also associated with the Dutch word “negelig” meaning “awkward” or “clumsy”. It is possible that someone bearing this surname was considered to be an awkward person––which could date back to some ancestor who may have had difficulty in a physical task.

Negeles today can draw upon a long and varied history, particularly from Europe. It is likely that family members with this surname have a deep attachment to their ancestors and the heritage associated with the last name.

Negele: Where does the name Negele come from?

The last name Negele is a German-language surname commonly associated with Germany, Austria, and parts of Eastern Europe, such as Switzerland and Hungary. This last name is derived from the old German element Nogge, meaning nut tree. The Negele surname is believed to be of medieval Germanic origin and may have come from a nickname for someone with characteristics similar to a nut tree.

In Germany today, the Negele surname is still relatively common, particularly in Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg. It is also quite frequent in Austria and Switzerland. This name is also popular in Hungary, the former Czechoslovakia, and certain former Yugoslavian countries.

In the United States, recently the last name Negele is most common in Pennsylvania, where it ranks as the 4,732nd most common surname. Other states where Negele is most prominent are New Jersey, Ohio, and Indiana. In Canada, this name is most common in Ontario and British Columbia.

In conclusion, the last name Negele is still a fairly common surname in many European countries today, despite its derivation from a medieval German element. In North America, the name is most prominent in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Indiana, as well as in Ontario and British Columbia in Canada.

Variations of the surname Negele

The surname Negele is of Germanic origin, derived from the word "Naegel", meaning "nail". It is most likely to have originated from the Bavarian, German and Swiss regions, and is found in various forms across Europe.

In Germany, the surname is spelled Negele and Nägele, whereas in Switzerland it is spelled Nägeli. Other spellings and variants of the name that exist in the German and Swiss regions are Nagel, Nägel, Nageli, Negel, and Nagl.

The surname Negele has also been adopted by other regions in Europe, including Poland, where it is spelled Najgier. In Scandinavia, the spelling has changed to Nagle. In the Netherlands, the variant of the surname is Nagelvoort, while in France, the spelling is Négé.

In the United States, the variant of the surname Negele is Negley. Negley is a version of the surname that originated in Scotland, traced back to the area of Perthshire. In fact, the name Negley was likely taken from the Gaelic name "Na Gile", meaning "literally of the hostage". The Negley variant of the Negele surname has since been adopted by many who immigrated to the United States from European countries.

The surname Negele is widespread in today’s world, taking on a diverse range of spellings and variants in various regions of the globe. Its long and interesting history is a testament to its ability to adapt and thrive in different countries.

Famous people with the name Negele

• Lore Negele: Best known for her roles in the hit German TV comedy show "Stromberg", and the made-for-television movie, "Der König von St. Pauli".
• John Negele: Award-winning documentary filmmaker, short-film director, and photographer.
• Kim Negele: Professional football player in the NFL who was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2000.
• Andrew Negele: A visual effects artist best known for his work on the Academy Award winning film, The Matrix.
• Mark Negele: An actor, film director, and writer whose works have been featured in several Festivals around the world.
• Kurt Negele: German football (soccer) manager and coach who led TSV 1860 Munich to several successive Bundesliga championships.
• Steven Negele: Grammy Award winning classical guitarist, composer, and educator who is currently the professor of guitar at Oberlin Conservatory.
• David Negele: A well-known travel photographer and wildlife journalist who has been featured in several books and magazine articles.
• Samuel Negele: Famous German folk dancer and children's entertainer who has appeared in numerous television and film appearances.
• Natasha Negele: A popular country musician and songwriter who has had several singles reach the Billboard Top 100 Chart.

Other surnames

NegeleinNegeli