Surname Schnäbele - Meaning and Origin

Schnäbele: What does the surname Schnäbele mean?

The surname Schnäbele is a German meaning derived from the words 'Schnabel', meaning 'beak', and '-e', which is added to names as a diminutive form. The name likely originated from a nickname given to an ancestor with a long or pointed nose. It is thought to have first been recorded in Baden in 1365, where the name Schnabel appears on a tax roll.

The surname Schnäbele can also be a variant spelling of Schnabel, and is also found in France and Luxembourg. Throughout history, there has been much variation in spelling as writers and scribes often spelled phonetically, with much creativity.

Although a rare name, there may be some of the Schnäbele family who still live in Germany today. Their ancestors are likely to have been primarily farmers or labours in the local villages where they settled. Many emigrated to the US during times of religious persecution, poverty and economic hardship.

Today, the Schnäbele name is still very much alive, with various branches of the family scattered all over the world. Although the exact origin of the name remains shrouded in mystery, it has undoubtedly left a lasting imprint in history. The Schnäbele name has come to symbolize strength, determination and resilience, and remains a symbol of proud family heritage and identity.

Schnäbele: Where does the name Schnäbele come from?

The last name Schnäbele is most commonly found in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is a relatively uncommon name and is believed to be of German origin. It may have descended from a medieval Lehn name, which was derived from a nickname meaning "little snail."

In Germany, records indicate that the Schnäbele name is most commonly found in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The name is also prevalent in Austria, particularly in Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Styria. In Switzerland, the most common occurrences of the name are in the cantons of Zurich and Basel-Stadt.

The surname is also spread across several other countries, including the Czech Republic, France, Lithuania, Netherlands, and North Macedonia.

According to genealogical records, there have been people with the surname "Schnäbele" since at least the 16th century. The earliest known record of the name is a baptismal record from 16th-century Transylvania which mentions one Andreas Schnäbele.

The name is still in use today, especially in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The Schnäbele family name is believed to still be relatively small, however, with modern estimates suggesting there are about 3,800 to 5,000 people with the surname in existence today.

Variations of the surname Schnäbele

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Schnäbele include Schnabel, Schnäbel, Schnabele, Schnebele, Schnaebel, Schnaebeles, and Schnabeles.

The German language is the source of the surname Schnäbele, which is derived from the Middle High German words “Schinabel” and “Schnabel.” The word “Schinabel” means “snout” or “beak,” and “Schnabel” was a nickname given to someone who resembled a beak or snout in appearance. As a result, the surname Schnäbele was used to identify people whose appearance resembled a beak or snout.

The Schnäbele surname is found throughout the German-speaking world, especially in Bavaria, Austria, and other central European countries. It has also been found in particular in the Czech Republic, where it is spelled “Šnábel” and used by Czech-speaking Jews.

In Austria and Germany, the Schneider family is most closely related to the Schnäbele family. The Schneider family is derived from the Middle High German word “snichener” which means “cutter.” As a result, the Schneider family was likely derived from the surname Schnäbele, due to the occupational title “cutter” being used to describe a beak or snout-shaped person.

The surnames Schnabel and Schnäbel are also found in the United States and Canada among immigrants with German origins. Both surnames are most common in the United States, with Schnabel being the more common variant. The most prominent spelling of the surname in the United States is Schnabel, with the alternate spellings of Schnäbel, Schnabele, Schnebele, Schnaebel, Schnaebeles, and Schnabeles found in fewer numbers.

Famous people with the name Schnäbele

• Caroline Schnäbele: Caroline Schnäbele is a Swiss alpine skier and 2018 Youth Olympic Games bronze medalist.
• Daniel Schnäbele: Daniel Schnäbele is a German Olympic downhill skier and the 2017 Slalom Junior World Champion.
• Thomas Schnäbele: Thomas Schnäbele is a German Roots Reggae artist, song writer, producer and filmmaker based in Berlin.
• Phillip Schnäbele: Phillip Schnäbele is the founder and CEO of the digital consulting and product studio Digital Production.
• Markus Schnäbele: Markus Schnäbele is a professional DFB referee, refereeing games in the German Bundesliga.
• Malte Schnäbele: Malte Schnäbele is a German politician and parliamentary director for the Green Party.
• Franziska Schnäbele: Franziska Schnäbele is a German politician from the Free Democratic Party and a member of the German Parliament.
• Stefan Schnäbele: Stefan Schnäbele is a German former figure skater and four-time World junior champion in pairs skating.
• Anja Schnäbele: Anja Schnäbele is a former German Alpine skier and World Cup winner.
• Adelheid Schnäbele: Adelheid Schnäbele is a German artist and photographer and member of the Fondazione for Art and Photography in Milan.

Other surnames

Schnabel