Surname Schnäpel - Meaning and Origin
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Schnäpel: What does the surname Schnäpel mean?
The last name Schnäpel is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word “schnabel” which is used to refer to “a beak-like object”. It is believed that the name is an occupational surname originally given to a blacksmith who specialized in making beak-like tools or implements. The name came to be used as a surname when members of the family began taking part in different trades.
Although the exact origin of the Schnäpel family is unknown, it is believed to have originated in the region of southern Germany, most likely in Bavaria or the Palatinate. The family is believed to have emigrated to the United States around the mid-1800s and today, there are numerous individuals bearing the surname scattered throughout the country.
The Schnäpel name is an interesting one as it references a fairly unique profession of a blacksmith and provides fascinating insight into the family’s past. It is also important to note that the beak-like tool the family was associated with (the Schnabel) has evolved into the modern day hammer. This provides lovely insight into the family’s strong work ethic and dedication to craftsmanship.
Order DNA origin analysisSchnäpel: Where does the name Schnäpel come from?
Schnäpel is a German surname most commonly found in the southern region of Germany. Specifically, the surname is primarily concentrated in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Some research suggests the name may have originated as an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word “schnappen” meaning "to snap or snag." This theory is supported by the fact that the earlier variants of this name--such as Schnabbel--do include the Middle German word “schnappen.”
Many spelling variations of this name are known, including Schnabel, Schnabelle, Schnabell, and Schnäpel. Some Schnäpels have emigrated to other parts of Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, the United States, Canada, and even Australia, but the majority remain in their native Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Today, most Schnäpels live in small rural villages in southern Germany. Some have joined larger cities and industrial centers, though the vast majority of them still live in the countryside. Like many Bavarian and Baden-Wurttemberg towns, many of these small village communities have strong ties to the church. As such, one might even see a St. Schnäpel among the saints located in the local churches.
Overall, Schnäpel is a German surname found mainly in the southern region of Germany, in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg. Because of its pronunciation and spelling variations, the surname has spread to other parts of the world, although the majority of Schnäpels still reside in their native homeland.
Variations of the surname Schnäpel
The surname Schnäpel is an old German name originating in south-western Bavaria. It is believed to have derived from the old German word ‘schnäpela’, meaning ‘shoemaker/moss-weed’.
Variants of the surname Schnäpel are commonly found as Schnäpel, Schnäble, Schnäbel, Schnäphle, Schnaphl, Schäphle, Schnaeble and Schnieb. It is also sometimes spelt differently like Schäpel, Schnäppl, Schnaible, Schnäppl, Schnäbl, Schnebel, Näpel, Schnabel, Schnàpi, Schnàppl, Schnôpel, Schnöpel, Shnàboul and Schnopfl.
In addition to these variants, there are also other forms of the surname which are part of the same origin. This includes surnames like Schnappauf, Schneidauf, Schinder, Schnaub, Schnupp, Schrimpf and Schneitzer.
Surnames derived from the same origin have spread through many countries. In the United States, the surname type is sometimes spelt differently like Shnaubel and Shnebol. In Germany, derivatives have become surnames such as Schneps, Schnepfen, Schnep, Lenz, Shnoppel, Schoppel and Schnieder.
In Austria, related names have taken form as Schnabel, Schnepf, Schnitzel, Schnippel and Schleicher. In Switzerland, similar surnames are present and these are Schneeberger, Schöb, Schneebeli, Schneebel, Schneider and Schnee.
Therefore, the original surname Schnäpel is varied and spread across many countries with numerous spellings and other derivations that have become adopted as surnames.
Famous people with the name Schnäpel
- Maren Schnäpel, German former alpine skier
- Paul Schnäpel, German professional footballer
- Felix Schnäpel, German artist and sculptor
- Wolf Schnäpel, German long-distance runner
- Joachim Schnäpel, German professional football player
- Stefan Schnäpel, German track cyclist
- Max Schnäpel, German retired football player
- Alex Schnäpel, German composer
- Annkatrin Schnäpel, German rock climber
- Herz Schnäpel, German video game programmer and musician