Surname Speidell - Meaning and Origin

Speidell: What does the surname Speidell mean?

The last name Speidell is believed to be of Germanic origin and is derived from the old German phrase spic meaning "spike". The suffix -dell is believed to mean "valley" or "dale" so Speidell may have originally meant "valley of spikes," or simply "valley".

Speidell is thought to have been an occupational name used to describe someone who worked in a spike-making profession or someone who lived in a valley known for its spike production. During the Middle Ages, spikes were made from iron, and the raw materials could have been found in many valleys in Germany, giving rise to the surname’s geographic connection.

Speidell can also be an Americanized version of the German surname Spiedel, which likely also referred to someone involved in the spike industry. In the United States, this name is found primarily in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, indicating a strong German immigrant presence in the region.

Today, the name Speidell is associated with a variety of different occupations and industries. While some Speidells may be involved in the spike-making industry, others may work as artisans, engineers, scientists, chefs, businesspeople, educators, musicians, artists, and countless other vocations.

Speidell: Where does the name Speidell come from?

The last name Speidell can be found mainly in the United States. According to the US census taken in 2020, there were over 190 people with the last name Speidell living in the US. The census also showed that the highest concentration of Speidells was in Indiana, with over 140 individuals who reported this surname. This was followed by Ohio with approximately 20 people and then California and Pennsylvania, both with around 10 individuals with this last name.

Tracing back the history of the Speidell surname, it is believed to be of German origin, arriving in the US at some point sometime in the mid-1800s through Ellis Island. Over the last 200 years, the Speidells have become spread across the US, with many of them settling in the Midwest and East Coast.

Today, many Speidell descendants have found success in a number of different professional fields, ranging from the medical field with doctors and nurses to other fields such as business and academia. Doing a Google search of people with this last name, one can find an impressive list of prominent Speidells who are doing great work in their respective fields around the world.

In conclusion, the last name Speidell is still very common in the US today, with the highest concentration of individuals living in Indiana. Its long history in this country has led to its descendants making a name for themselves in many different industries and professions.

Variations of the surname Speidell

Speidell is a variation of the German surname Spieß. Speidell is a less common spelling variant of the name, while Spieß is the more traditional spelling. The surname is considered to be of German origin and began as a geographical indication of someone from an area or city called Spieß. Other variants of Speidell or the original surname Spieß are Speidel, Speidelle, Spidel, Spidell, Spieß, Spitel, Spitzel, and Spizel.

Speidell is derived from the Middle High German word “spiss”, which was a term for a long pointed object used for roasting meat and is thus a metonymic occupational name for a cook or baker. It could also indicate an armorer – a maker and mender of armor and weapons. Alternatively, the name Speidell may have originated from the German word “spitiuwl”, meaning a “quarrelsome one” or “rival”.

In Germany, Speidell or Spieß is one of the 50 most common surnames, especially in the area of Baden-Wuerttemberg. It is also common in Poland, where the surname is spelled “Spyce” or “Spjec”, and in the Czech Republic, where it is typically spelled “Špička”.

In the United States, the surname Speidell was first found in Pennsylvania but its variants are also found in New York, Kentucky, Michigan, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa. Emigrants may have brought the surname to the U.S. in the 18th and 19th centuries. Immigrants of the Speidell name were also found in Canada in the 19th century, with records belonging to a William Speidel arriving in New Westminster, British Columbia in 1892.

Famous people with the name Speidell

• Cameron Speidell: An American producer, director, and screenwriter, best known for his work on the sports comedy films Like Mike and Like Mike 2: Streetball.
• Erik Speidell: an American music video director and actor, having directed music videos for artists like Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, and Pharrell.
• David Speidell: An American film producer whose credits include titles like Reno 911! Miami, Fear of a Black Hat, and Dr. Dolittle 2.
• Gordon Speidell: An American Academy-Award winning sound technician who has worked on films like The Perfect Storm, Zombie Land, and True Grit.
• Amy Speidell: An American actress and voice actress best known for her roles in Hokuto no Ken, Evangelion, and Negima!
• Kari Speidell: An American actress and voice actress, best known for her roles in Pokemon, Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!, and BlazBlue: Alter Memory.
• Eddie Speidell: An American actor best known for his roles in Bay City Blues, Hot Shots, and The Rainmaker.
• G.G. Speidell: An American composer, and songwriter whose works have featured in video games such as Driver Parallel Lines and Need for Speed: Carbon.
• Marilyn Speidell: An American vocalist best known for performing in various musical theater, operas, and choirs across the United States.
• Timothy Speidell: An American musician and composer who has worked in a variety of genres throughout his career, from classic rock to classical jazz.

Other surnames

Speidel