Surname Obergfell - Meaning and Origin
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Obergfell: What does the surname Obergfell mean?
Obergfell is a German surname derived from the Old German words ober, meaning “over” or “above”, and gelf, meaning “knife” or “sword.” This suggests that the original bearer of this surname may have been someone skilled in the art of metalworking. This occupation was a highly prized profession prior to the Industrial Revolution, as metalworking allowed craftsmen to fashion a wide variety of tools and weapons.
The name Obergfell may also be linked to the German word obergfelle, which translates to “overcoat.” This suggests that perhaps the original bearer of the surname may have been a merchant who sold and repaired these garments or a tailor who crafted them.
The meanin of the surname Obergfell is most likely related to metalworking and tailoring, but one thing is for sure: Obergfell is a unique, timeless surname that is sure to be a conversation starter. It is a reminder of our ancestors’ hard work and resourcefulness, and it serves as a link to our past.
Order DNA origin analysisObergfell: Where does the name Obergfell come from?
The last name Obergfell is most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is found less often in Poland, where some members of the name may have migrated there during the 18th to 20th centuries. Interest in the name was also revived in the 1970s, when some Americans of German descent began researching their family history.
The name Obergfell is derived from the German words "Ober," meaning above, superior, or upper, and "Gefell," meaning a companion, comrade, or fellow. This indicates that when the family was first established, there were several families that all used the same last name. The family was likely involved in a local area, and perhaps even had their own estates. They would have been relatively wealthy, as several generations of the same family were usually required to build up such a landholding.
The surname Obergfell is not as common today as it once was in Germany and Austria, but can still be found in some countries around the world. This includes the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the US, it is most common in Texas, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Obergfells continue to live in both rural and urban areas. It is not unusual to find some members of the family practicing traditional professions as well as emerging modern careers.
Variations of the surname Obergfell
The surname Obergfell has a few variants, spellings and derivative surnames. The most common spellings are Obergefell, Obergfehl, Obergefel, Obergefellen, Obergefall, Obergfall, Obergfield and Obergfel. The surname is derived from Germanic, likely from the Middle High German words "ober" and "gevel.” Ober means "over" or "above," while gevel means "branch," "twig" or "sapling." The surname likely originated as an occupational name for a person involved in forestry, or for a border-guard.
The surname has also produced derivatives in other languages, such as the Polish name Oberwald, the Czech names Oberhausen, Oberfellner and Oberfell. Other less common spellings of Obergfell include Oberfitl, Obergfiel, Obersgell and Obersgehl.
Variants of the Obergfell surname may indicate different locations of origin. This is because names can change according to region. For example, the spelling Oberfeld may stem from a Germanic region in which the letter 'l' replaced the letter 'f'. Therefore, derivatives of the original surname Obergfell may point to a different place of origin, such as the variation Oberfeld being associated with Austria or Bavaria.
Overall, the Obergfell surname is largely of Germanic origin and offers an array of variants, spellings and derivative surnames that are derived from the same ancestral line.
Famous people with the name Obergfell
- Monika Obergfell: German artist and seismologist
- Karl Oberg: German Nazi official
- Robert Oberg: American professional wrestler
- David Obergfell: German physicist
- Ellsworth Obergfell: American college football coach
- William Obergfell: American college football player
- Anna Obergfell: American patient rights advocate
- Hans Obergfell: German romantic artist
- Max Obergfell: American religious leader
- Theodore Obergfell: American religious leader
- Lydia Obergfell: American artist and teacher
- Charlie Obergfell: American football executive
- Merlyn Obergfell: American musician
- Raymond Obergfell: American writer
- Johannes Obergfell: German scientist