Surname Neizel - Meaning and Origin
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Neizel: What does the surname Neizel mean?
The last name Neizel is a German name, likely derived from the German words "nein" meaning "no" and "zelle" meaning "cell". Taken together, the literal translation of Neizel is "no cell", suggesting that it was once used as a nickname for one who was without a fixed residence or station and had to keep moving around. Alternatively, it might have been used to describe someone who was living outside city walls during medieval times, or "in the open" beyond the usual boundaries.
The name Neizel is closely linked to hoodwinkery, associated with a trickster figure from German folklore. Such a figure is represented as a cunning figure who uses wit and guile to outmaneuver opponents. His desires may be nefarious and, among other things, he may seek to deceive and take advantage of innocent people. This character may have provided inspiration for the surname to imply one who had the propensity for deviousness, craftiness and manipulation.
Neizel is a rare last name, belonging to about 170 people in the United States. It is not known exactly how the name migrated to the US or when, but it is notable for having some of the earliest located family records in the New World – originating in Rhode Island during the late 17th century. Today, its more likely to be seen in its native Germany where it is seen by far more often.
Order DNA origin analysisNeizel: Where does the name Neizel come from?
The last name Neizel is quite uncommon today, and it is primarily found in the United States. Specifically, it is predominantly seen in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. It is also found in smaller numbers in other surrounding states like Illinois, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Since the 1900 U.S. census, only around 200 Americans have shared the Neizel surname.
The largest concentration of Neizels in the U.S. was recorded in 1940, when 68 people living in Wisconsin carried the name. However, by 2008, the number of Neizels had dropped to just 24 people in the entire country. In present day, the highest concentration is seen in western Wisconsin in and around Burnett, Polk, and St. Croix counties. It is especially around to the small town of Clayton, where around half of the Neizels in the U.S. currently reside.
Originally, the Neizel surname was likely derived from Bavarian roots in Germany, but the family has been in the United States since at least the mid-1800s. Generally, the family is believed to have originally settled in Wisconsin and Iowa, particularly near the Mississippi River. As time has passed, many members of the Neizel family have moved away from their original states, but some branches of the family remain in the Midwest to this day.
Variations of the surname Neizel
The surname Neizel is of German origin and was originally spelled as Nizel. This name is sometimes found as Niesel and Neissel, while variants and other forms include Nejes, Nissel, Nitschel and Nitzel. Neizel is said to have derived from a short form of the name Ignatz or Ignatius, which is the Latinized form of the Germanic personal name Ignaz. The old German form of Ignaz was either Ingo or Ingu.
Neizel is a rare name, mostly found in its original German form. Neizel families living in the United States tend to be descended from immigrants who arrived between the 17th and 19th centuries from what is now Germany. During this period, some families changed their name to fit in with the prevailing culture or to overcome religious persecution.
The Neizel name is found in various spellings in the places where it is prominent, such as Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Denmark. Records from a German research institute indicate that the spelling of this name has changed over time, with Nizel dominating throughout the 18th century, while Neissel and Neizel being the most common spellings in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, Neizel has become less popular, but a few families still bear this unique name. Some of the surnames linked to Neizel include Nizel, Neitzel, Nisel, Nissel, Nitschel, Neissel, Nejes and Neyes. It is likely that all of these spellings are variations of the same name, as the descendants of these families often share the same surname.
Famous people with the name Neizel
- Joe Neizel: American multi-instrumentalist, composer, engineer, and producer, best known for his work as the founding member and creative partner of internationally acclaimed band The Polyphonic Spree.
- Trevor Neizel: American professional motocross racer, competing in the Supercross World Championship.
- Pam Neizel: American YA author, best known for her novels The Museum of Intangible Things and Sugar.
- Martha Neizel: American stage and film actress, best known for her roles in Providence and People of Earth.
- Caleb Neizel: American country rock musician and singer/songwriter.
- Abbey Neizel: American actress, best known for roles on My Name Is Earl and Dead & Gone.
- LaVon Neizel: American stage actress, director, and stage combat educator best known for her productions with the Cavod Theatre Company.
- Andrew Neizel: American hip-hop artist and producer from Los Angeles, California.
- Bethany Neizel: American author of paranormal and suspense novels, best known for The Forgotten.
- Darcy Neizel: American cellist and vocalist, best known for her work with the award-winning Seattle-based band Kagero.