Surname Schindel - Meaning and Origin
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Schindel: What does the surname Schindel mean?
The last name Schindel is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German term “schindle,” which referred to someone who worked with thin sheet metal. By extension, it is believed that the initial holders of the last name were cobblers or tinsmiths. Over time, it has even been suggested that the name was used to describe a person who could accurately cut good lines with a knife.
The name is still common in parts of Germany and has also spread into countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is sometimes spelled Schindler, but the original spelling of the name remained Schindel.
The name has also taken on symbolic meanings due to its etymology. In the Jewish tradition, Schindel was derived from the name Sheindel, which means “beautiful” or “precious.” In some places, it is seen as a symbol of wealth and fortune.
Either way, the last name Schindel holds a rich history and can be traced back hundreds of years. It’s a unique last name that carries with it both a sense of pride and a reminder of the hardworking people who originally held it.
Order DNA origin analysisSchindel: Where does the name Schindel come from?
The name Schindel is most commonly found throughout Central and Eastern Europe. It is most prevalent in the countries of Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. In these countries, the name is typically associated with people descended from German-speaking groups such as the Swabians, who immigrated to these areas during the Middle Ages. Within these countries, Schindel is most commonly found in the areas of Lower Silesia, Upper Silesia, and Saxony.
The surname Schindel is also found in northern European countries like Hungary, Latvia, and Lithuania. This surname is likely to have been brought to these areas by Germanic settlers in the Late Middle Ages and can be found primarily in the northern regions border countries. The surname is also common in countries of the former Soviet Union such as Kazakhstan and Russia. It is likely that those who bear the name today descended from German-speaking groups who settled in these areas during the period of German colonization in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The surname Schindel is also found throughout North America, particularly in the United States and Canada where large numbers of Central and Eastern European immigrants settled during the early 20th century. In the United States, the name is particularly associated with those of Germanic descent who settled in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and the Northeastern states. In Canada, it is more commonly found in provinces such as Manitoba and Ontario that were historically popular destinations for European immigrants.
Variations of the surname Schindel
The surname Schindel is a German occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word “schindel” meaning “shingle”. It was often used to refer to a roofer or a maker of shingles. As the surname scattered across Europe, several variants of the Schindel surname developed, including but not limited to Schindle, Schindler, Schindeler, Shindle, Shindler, and Schindl.
The English-speaking parts of North America generally adopted Schindel and Schindle as spelling variations, while the German-speaking parts used mostly Schindler. Schindel was the spelling most frequently used in South American countries. The Schindeler spelling was used throughout the German-speaking world and into Scandinavia, but the Schindel spelling was also common.
In Austria and Bavaria, the Schindeler family was known as Schneidele. In other parts of Germany, the Schindl family was a very common variation. In Poland, the surname “Schindel” was changed to “Szendel”, and in the Netherlands, the “Schindel” spelling was changed to “Schinkel” or “Scheinkel”. Some families even changed the spelling to “Schinnel” or “Schinkel” over the years.
One other variant, “Shoendel”, is a relatively uncommon, Yiddish spelling of Schindel. It was used by families of Jewish origins, mainly in Eastern Europe and America. In Switzerland, the Schindel surname was typically spelled “Schändel”.
Although the frequency of the Schindel surname has decreased over time, it is still seen in many different parts of the world. Several thousand individuals from different parts of the globe still have this surname today.
Famous people with the name Schindel
- Greg Schindel: Actor and Film producer who is best known for his work on "Boar" and "Wolf Creek 2".
- Nelson Schindel: Musician who is best known for his work in the band Megaphone.
- Charlotte Schindel: Award-winning author of children's books such as "The Rock and the Wave" and "Emma's Wild Ride".
- Stephanie Schindel: Former professional volleyball player who has won multiple international championship titles.
- Joanna Schindel: Registered dietitian who has authored several cookbooks and nutrition textbooks.
- Meghan Schindel: Actress best known for her roles in movies like "The Dark Knight" and "Jumper".
- Elie Schindel: French journalist and radio host, who is known for hosting his own radio show in Paris.
- Bruce Schindel: American landscape painter who has won multiple awards for his work.
- Karl Schindel: German sculptor and artist who is best known for his work with religious and historical sculptures.
- Tom Schindel: Famous award-winning chef who is renowned for creating unique dishes with global flavors.