Surname Nihel - Meaning and Origin

Nihel: What does the surname Nihel mean?

The last name Nihel doesn't have a widely recognized or established meaning in genealogical, historical, or etymological databases. It appears to be rare and could be a variation of another surname, a localized name, or an anglicized version of a non-English name. It is therefore difficult to provide an established meaning for the name without further context or specific cultural reference. In some online platforms, Nihel is suggested to be of Algerian origin, while others suggest a possibility of it being related to the Gaelic surname "O'Neill", which means "from Ulster". However, these connotations aren't universally approved or acknowledged by linguistic or historical authorities. Therefore, for a comprehensive understanding of the name Nihel, one might consider researching its cultural origin, family history, or consult a specialist in name etymology.

Nihel: Where does the name Nihel come from?

The last name Nihel is most common today in Algeria. According to information from Forebears, Nihel is a Berber name found in Northern Africa, and it is especially popular in Algeria where it originates. The Nihel surname is used for both male and female members of families and it is estimated that around 25,000 people carry the name in the country.

The Nihel family is originally associated with the town of M’Sila in Algeria and the surrounding region. It is believed to have come from the local Berber community, which began to adopt family surnames in the late 19th century. This was a common practice amongst the Algerian population at the time, and the Nihel name began to spread throughout the region.

Today, the Nihel family is scattered throughout Algeria and a significant population has also spread to other parts of North Africa and Europe. Notably, the largest concentration of Nihels outside Algeria can be found in France, where Nihel is the 394th most common name. In the United States, the Nihel name is much rarer, though it is still carried by a few thousand people.

Variations of the surname Nihel

Nihel is an uncommon surname that originated in Olsztyn, Poland. It is likely of Polish and Jewish descent as it was first found in Poland in the 16th century. There are also possible ties to the Germanic language due to its suffix -hel, which is an element found in German and Dutch surnames.

Variants of the surname Nihel include Nihl, Neiel, Nahil, Nehl, and Nahil. There are also various spellings and surnames related to Nihel, such as Nejel/Najel, Nayhl/Nayhel, Neihl, Najahl, Nehele, Nihell, Nihele, and Nihella.

Surnames related to Nihel include Nihelewiecz, Nihellle, Nehelski, Nakiewicz, Nihlowicz, and Nehal. Another surname derived from the root "nihil" is Nihill, which is found in Ireland.

Nihel is a unique surname that is oftentimes confused for other surnames due to its many variants, spellings, and related surnames. Despite its variation, it is a surname of rich Polish and Jewish heritage.

Famous people with the name Nihel

• Fadi Nihel: Lebanese singer, songwriter, and entertainer.
• Nihad Nihel: Lebanese actor, director, and screenwriter.
• Souha Nihel: Lebanese actress and model.
• Tahar Nihel: Tunisian footballer.
• Salah Nihel: Algerian footballer.
• Khaled Nihel: Egyptian basketball player.
• Racha Nihel: Algerian handball player.
• Fares Nihel: Tunisian footballer.
• Mohamad Nihel: Lebanese footballer.
• Yassine Nihel: Algerian footballer.

Other surnames

Nihell