Surname Obergfoell - Meaning and Origin

Obergfoell: What does the surname Obergfoell mean?

The surname Obergfoell is of German origin and is derived from the words Oberg, meaning 'high mountain' and Foehl, meaning 'meadow'. It is likely that the name originated as a habitation or occupational name given to someone living or working in an area with considerable mountain meadows.

The name is most commonly found in countries with strong Anglican populations such as the United Kingdom, but is also prevalent in Saxon Germany. The earliest instance of the Obergfoell surname recorded was in the year 1257 in Thuringia, where Herman Obergfoell was registered as a freeman.

The Obergfoells were once part of an aristocratic family in Germany, and the name Obergfoell is thought to have been attributed to this family. It is also said to have descended from the burghers of Oldenburg, who had a right to bear the arms of Zehden, where their lands were located. This would likely explain why the Obergfoell family seal bore the Zehden lion standing upon a mount of three hills.

Today, the Obergfoell name is still in use in several European countries. It is quite popular in places like the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, where it is used by people of all nationalities. Obergfoell is also a widely-used name in the United States, where it is carried by people of German-American and Scandinavian ancestry.

Obergfoell: Where does the name Obergfoell come from?

The last name Obergfoell is more commonly found in Germany. However, as one of the oldest surnames, there are clusters of Obergfoell families throughout Europe, particularly in the Nordic countries. Today, the Obergfoell surname is particularly prevalent in the Swedish provinces of Halland and Vastergotland, especially in the small towns and rural areas. The number of Obergfoells living in these regions is estimated to be in the thousands, although exact figures are difficult to identify.

The oldest verified Obergfoell lineage traces back to the early 1600s in Halland. During this period, many families moved between Germany and Scandinavia as a result of religious conflicts and wars in the region. This may have contributed to the spread of the Obergfoell surname across Europe.

In the United States, the Obergfoell surname appears less often. Emmigration records from the 18th and 19th centuries show only a handful of people bearing the name, most of whom likely originated in Germany or Scandinavia. There is no evidence to suggest that a large number of people bearing the surname migrated to the United States.

In modern times, the Obergfoell surname might still be found in Europe, especially in Sweden, Germany, and the surrounding regions. It is also possible that there are some people with the Obergfoell surname living in the United States, although exact numbers are difficult to estimate.

Variations of the surname Obergfoell

Obergfoell is a German surname that has been traced back to the 13th century. It has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, some of the most common being Obergoel, Obergell, Obergeul, Obergehl, Obergehl, Obergel and Obergeal.

Obergfoell is derived from the German words 'ober' meaning upper and 'göll' meaning spring, creek or stream; this is thought to refer to people who lived near an upper spring or stream.

Variants of the Obergfoell surname are common in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and parts of Eastern Europe. It can often be found in records with variations in spelling and pronunciation, such as Orberg, Obergfell, Obergfeld and Orbergoel.

Alternative surnames of the same origin include Orbergfoell, Akfel, Obfel, Akfoll, Ohfoll, Aufel and Abfel, with various spellings such as Orbergfell, Akfell, Obfell, Akfoll, Ohfoll and Abfell.

Whatever the spelling, Obergfoell remains as a popular and recognisable name in parts of Europe, and it is likely to continue to be used in the years to come.

Famous people with the name Obergfoell

• Eric Obergföll: Professional Pole Vaulter
• Amanda Obergföll: Professional High Jumper
• Johann Obergföll: German Gymnast
• Johann Obergföll (junior): Olympian Equestrian
• Maximilian Obergföll: German Physician and Judge
• Rudolf Obergföll: Ski Jumping Champion
• Astrid Obergföll: Professional Discus Thrower
• Simone Obergföll: Professional Shot Putter
• Julia Obergföll: Sailboarding Champion
• Greta Obergföll: Swedish Figure Skater
• Christoph Obergföll: Formula One Racer
• Dominik Obergföll: Professional Soccer Player
• René Obergföll: Professional Football Player
• Ursula Obergföll: Norwegian Cross-Country Skier
• Mirja Obergföll: Retired Ski Jumper
• Lotte Obergföll: German Canoe Slalom World Champion
• Carina Obergföll: Professional Triathlete
• Uwe Obergföll: German Skeleton Racer
• Andreas Obergföll: German Biathlon Athlete

Other surnames

Obergföll