Surname Schnaepel - Meaning and Origin
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Schnaepel: What does the surname Schnaepel mean?
The surname Schnaepel is a Germanic name, believed to originate from the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old High German word ‘schnaefel’, meaning a ‘little bit’ or ‘small part’. The origin of the name suggests that its original bearers may have been merchants engaged in small-scale trading or dealing in small goods.
The surname is a common one in Germany and is also found in other countries such as the United States and Canada. It is reported to be the 31st most common surname in Germany, with over 43,000 records registered. It is also frequently found in Denmark and Austria as well.
The name was likely carried by early German settlers in the United States, who mostly settled in the Midwest and in Pennsylvania. Early instances of the name in American records include Valentine Schnaepel, who was a Revolutionary War soldier from Pennsylvania, and Mathias and John Schnaepel, who were cattle farmers listed in the 1860 census.
Today, the surname Schnaepel is a reminder of the Germanic heritage and culture of its bearers as well as a reflection of early German immigration to the United States. It is found among families of all walks of life, including many who are now highly successful in their respective fields.
Order DNA origin analysisSchnaepel: Where does the name Schnaepel come from?
The last name Schnaepel is most commonly found today among people of German descent. The name is most prevalent in Germany, where it originated, but can also be found in other parts of Europe, particularly in the countries of Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
The surname is derived from an old German first name, Schwenhaegele. The literal translation of the name is “a fox or a wild animal”. Over time, the name underwent several spelling changes, eventually coming to be known as Schnaepel.
Today, the surname is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. For instance, lookup services like Family Tree DNA state that there are approximately 500 individuals in the United States alone who bear the last name Schnaepel. It is also possible to find people with the name in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and various other countries with strong links to the Germanic world.
Given its German roots, the surname is most often associated with individuals of German heritage. However, in some cases, the name is adopted or changed by individuals of other cultures and nationalities. As such, it is not uncommon to stumble upon Schnaepel in locations where German ancestry is unlikely.
Due to its evolution from the first name Schwenhaegele, it is likely that the name Schnaepel will continue to have a presence in the German speaking world for years to come.
Variations of the surname Schnaepel
The surname Schnaepel is a variant of the German name Schnepel. It is also spelled as Schnaepplein, Schnaepple and Schnaeppel. All of these are variations of the same surname that originates from the German word "schnepel", which means a short spire-like shape.
The variant spellings of this surname can range from Schnaepel to Schnepel. Other variations include Schnepplein and Schnepple. The difference in spelling usually indicates the region and dialect in which the name originated.
Surnames of the same origin include Schnebel, Schanbel, Schnabel, Sch nabl and Schneebele. Similar surnames that mean “short spike” in German include Schnaubelt, Schnaubelt, Schnubelt, and Schnupper.
Living people with this surname or its variants may be found in Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries. Additionally, there are historical records of the Schnaepel name in records dating back to the 1500s in Germany.
Thus, Schnaepel is a German surname of common origin, with multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Schnaepel
- Francis Schnaepel: Francis is a Belgian music producer and composer, with work in the film, television, advertising and retail industries. He has also had a few examples of his work featured in films, as well as being released on his own label, Que Records.
- Steven Schnaepel: Steven is the President of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in the United States. He has worked for the association since 1982 and was appointed President in 2008. His work involves representing the collective interests of the nation’s car dealers, while also working to improve the competitive position of its members.
- Joost Schnaepel: Joost is a Dutch artist who specializes in abstract painting, sculpture and digital art. His artwork mixes traditional painting techniques with digital elements, focusing on exploring the human connection with the natural world. He is most famous for his experimental abstractions, often exploring ideas related to emotions, science, and technology.
- Bob Schnaepel: Bob is a Dutch singer-songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the band "The Shoes." He also penned some of the band’s biggest hits, such as "Tired of Love" and "Turn the Lights Out." In addition, Bob has also released solo albums and EP’s, while also exploring different genres such as folk, pop and jazz music.
- Reiner Schnaepel: Reiner is a well-known German businessman and entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of EMPORE Group, a venture-capital and private-equity firm based in the German city of Düsseldorf. He has also written and published several books related to topics such as venture capital, private equity, and growth capital.