Surname Scheindel - Meaning and Origin

Scheindel: What does the surname Scheindel mean?

Scheindel is a German surname originating in the Middle Ages. Its literal meaning is “shield” or “protection”, reflecting an old German tradition of personal protection. During this time, arms were strictly regulated and citizens were forbidden to carry them in public. As a result, many Germans adopted a second name, comprised of a root meaning “shield” or “protection”, to signify their commitment to their community and their willingness to arm themselves if necessary to protect it. Scheindel is an example of this form of nomenclature, which is still in use today.

The practical aspect of bearing a shield-related surname is not to be forgotten. Historically, those with a last name like Scheindel were thought to possess certain qualities related to protection and loyalty. Even beyond the practical application of a shield, these characteristics are values to be respected.

In summary, the last name Scheindel is derived from an old German tradition and carries with it the connotation of willingness to protect and loyalty. While being associated with the physical shield, the nickname also implies a set of values that are highly respected in today's society.

Scheindel: Where does the name Scheindel come from?

The last name Scheindel is most commonly found in the United States today; however, it is also found in other countries. The Scheindel name is of Germanic, or Jewish-German, origin. In the United States, the Scheindel surname is most commonly found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey, and New York. These five states are the top states with the highest population of Scheindel's.

Outside of the United States, the Scheindel name is occasionally found in Canada, as well as in several European countries, such as Germany and Switzerland. In the 1960s, multiple Scheindels moved from Germany to the United States due to the Holocaust. The last name has also been linked historically to Jewish immigrants fleeing the Germanic region during the 17th and 18th centuries.

In terms of population, Scheindels are considered a rare surname, with only 303 people in the United States as of the 2010 census. However, the population seems to be growing with members of the Scheindel family intermarrying with other families and extending the name's reach.

Overall, the Scheindel name is most common in the United States but can be found in a handful of other countries. Though the Scheindel surname is considered rare in the United States, it has a long and varied history stretching across many continents.

Variations of the surname Scheindel

The surname Scheindel is likely of German origin. The common variants of the name include Scheindal, Scheinzel, Scheinsel and Schendel. All of these spellings are derived from the German word “Schein” or “shine,” indicating one who was considered particularly brilliant or enlightened.

The surname likely evolved from these more general meanings. It was later used as a specific occupational name to describe someone who was a candle maker, as ‘Schein’ is related to the English word ‘candle’.

Spellings such as Sheindel, Scheindell and Scheindler are often used in America and Israel, reflecting a phonetic change or adaptation of the spelling. It can also be found in records in other countries with slight variations in spelling, such as in England (e.g. Sheindell), in Austria (Scheindl) and in Poland (Schendel).

Variants of the name Scheindel from other languages include: Ciandulli and Ciandelli (Italian); Shenzel (Yiddish); Senciel (Romany).

Surnames related to Scheindel include Schein, Scheinner, Scheinwitz, and Schenkel. All of these surnames derive from bearers with a similar occupation to the Scheindel family, such as a candle manufacturer or an oil lamp maker.

In general, Scheindel and its variants appear to be derived from the German language, with a literal meaning of “shining” and a figurative sense of “enlightened” or “brilliant.” Variations of the name reflect regional differences in phonetics and upon immigration to the United States, a phonetic shift from the original language. Surnames related by origin include Schein, Scheinner, Scheinwitz, and Schenkel.

Famous people with the name Scheindel

• Yehoshua Scheindel: an actor and artist from Israel, best known for his films The Chosen (1981) and Color of Lies (1997).
• Louis Scheindel: an American politician who served as a New York Assemblyman from 1852 to 1853.
• Arnold Scheindel: an Austrian-born American painter and illustrator.
• David Scheindel: a German-born American film producer and director.
• Yehudah ben Meir ha-Levi Scheindel of Worms: a medieval German rabbi.
• Gil Scheindlin: an Israeli lawyer and the first Jewish Attorney General of Israel.
• Lothar Scheindel: a former member of the German Bundestag and a violinist.
• Abraham Scheindel: a Polish-born rabbi who served as the chief rabbi of Salant in Lithuania from 1871 to 1878.
• Shoshana Scheindel: a professor at William & Mary Law School.
• Salomon Scheindel of Worms: an 18th century German rabbi and author.

Other surnames

ScheindlScheindlin