Surname Schiegel - Meaning and Origin

Schiegel: What does the surname Schiegel mean?

The last name Schiegel is of German origin, and it is of the occupational surname variety. This surname was derived from the German term 'schiegler', which translates to 'turner', or 'woodturner.' This occupation referred to someone who carved, turned, and finished wooden objects on a lathe, such as bowls, chairs, and other objects. This name likely originated as an identifier for someone with this particular occupation. The Schiegel surname developed over time and can be found in various documents throughout Germany, indicating that the family has a very long history in the country.

The Schiegel surname spread from Germany throughout the world, so now individuals of various heritages can have the last name. There are various spellings and variants of the name as well, such as Schiegel, Schlegel, Schegel, Schigel etc. While each variant of the name is pronounced differently, they all denote the same meaning.

The Schiegel surname has had a long history in Germany, but it now is found throughout the world. It is a reminder of the occupation of woodturning, and a source of pride for individuals who carry the name.

Schiegel: Where does the name Schiegel come from?

The last name Schiegel is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. According to the website Forebears, it ranks 4,683rd in Germany in terms of frequency, with approximately 1,581 people bearing the name. In Austria, it ranks substantially higher, coming in at 481st in terms of frequency, with approximately 6,907 people who share the surname.

The etymology of the name is not known for certain, but it is believed to be an occupational name, derived from the German 'Schiegerln', meaning 'workers who make or repair wooden buckets and tubs'. This occupational name likely originated in the German-speaking regions of Europe before modern nation states were even established.

The Schiegel surname is most concentrated in Western and Central Europe, namely Germany and Austria. Smaller pockets of people bearing this name are also found in the United States, Canada, and European countries such as Sweden, Slovakia, Hungary, and Switzerland.

However, much of the international presence of the Schiegel name can be attributed to immigration from Europe. Therefore, if you happen to come across somebody with the last name Schiegel, chances are they can trace their ancestry back to one of these European countries.

Variations of the surname Schiegel

The surname Schiegel can have many variants, spellings and associated surnames depending on region and country of origin.

In German, the surname is typically spelled Schiegel but can also be found in records as Schiegel, Schiegal, Siegel, Siegal or Sigel.

In the Netherlands, the surname has been spelled Schiegel, Schegel, Skegel, Schijgel, Schijgle, Schijvel or Shijgel.

In Jewish records the variant spellings Schigall or Schigelt are prevalent as they come from the Yiddish spelling (ישיגעל).

Other variants such as Siegal, Seegal, Sigal, Shigal, Shigall, Shigel, Sheigal, Sheigel, Sheigell, Quigal, Kigall or Kigall have been used in all sorts of records ranging from Russian to French to Jewish.

In North America, the surname is often Anglicized or translated as Siegle, Seigle or Segel as immigrants moved from Europe.

Other associated surnames include Siegel, Schegel, Schägel, Schägle, Schagel, Seidel, Pietruschka, Pietruszka, Pietruszko, Piotrowski and Piotrowicz. These names are derived from other languages and regions such as Poland and Russia.

The Jubileum Gedenkboek van de Familie Schiegel suggests that the surname is derived from the Old Dutch and Middle Dutch words schigel or schigle, suggesting a person who is crafty, fast or alert.

Overall the surname Schiegel is a very versatile surname with many variants, spellings and associated surnames that can be found in records all across Europe and North America.

Famous people with the name Schiegel

• Ellen Schiegel: an American author, radio host, and podcast producer.
• Christoph Schiegel: a German actor, and voiceover artist.
• Heinrich Schiegel: a German mathematician and physicist from the 19th century.
• Heike Schiegel: a German journalist, radio host & author.
• Johann Schiegel: a German Baroque composer from the 17th century.
• Robert Schiegel: an American composer and multi-instrumentalist.
• Nate Schiegel: an American media-player and professional ESports player.
• Ed Schiegel: an American software engineer and entrepreneur.
• Christine Schiegel: an Austrian painter from the 19th century.
• Alexander Schiegel: a German modernist painter and graphic artist, active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Other surnames

Schiegl