Surname Spidel - Meaning and Origin

Spidel: What does the surname Spidel mean?

The last name Spidel is an occasionally seen European surname, likely of Germanic origin. It derives from the German word "spitz", meaning "sharp" or "pointed". In German, the word can also be used to describe certain family dynasties or clans, which suggests that the Spidel surname may be derived from, or related to, one of these clans.

In medieval Europe, spitzol (or spidel) was the term used to refer to a type of armour made from interlocking iron plates. This may be where the last name Spidel came from, as in some families it was adopted as the family's surname in honour of a brave ancestor who may have bravely fought in such armour.

Many branches of the Spidel family tree are thought to have originated from Germany, while others likely began in Austria, France, or even as far away as England. In its many spellings, such as the English spelling "Spydle", the surname is still encountered today.

The last name Spidel may still carry connotations of a sharp-minded and determined ancestor from centuries ago. Those bearing the surname today may choose to regard it in this way, or even to embrace the idea of being part of a long-standing family lineage.

Spidel: Where does the name Spidel come from?

The last name Spidel is most commonly found today in Germany. It is a Germanized form of the Jewish surname Spiedel or Speidel, and is found most prevalently in the southwestern region of the country around the state of Baden-Württemberg. This area has a strong Jewish history and Jewish people have been living in this region since the mid-1800s.

The Spidel surname is of German origin, but records of it have been found in other parts of Europe including Austria, Poland, and Switzerland. This suggests that the name was likely brought into Germany by Jewish immigrants from other parts of the continent. The name is also found in the United States, where it is believed to have been brought over by German immigrants.

Today, the surname is most commonly found in German records, and is also frequently found in records pertaining to Jewish families. This suggests that the Jewish heritage of the name is strong and that it is likely still carried on by many of its holders today. It is likely that the Spidel surname has been passed down through generations in German families, providing a connection to Jewish ancestry.

Variations of the surname Spidel

The surname Spidel has various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Spiess, Spiedel, Speidel, Speiss, Speece, Speece, and Speice.

Spidel, Spiess, and Spiedel are all variants of the German surname. The earliest known record of a bearer with this name is of a Johannes Spidell from Freiberg, in the 15th century. Speidel and Speiss are forenames found in the German records during the late 16th century. Speece and Speice are variants based on the pronunciation of the original name.

The surname could also refer to individuals of the Swiss and Alsatian (German/French) ancestry of surnames such as Spittal. This is an old mountain name of Swiss origin, derived from the Old Swiss term “spyttal” meaning a hospice, or hostel for travelers.

Other spelling variants, which are common, include Spyddell and Spydell. These would have been derived from the variant of the renaming of the old mountain term, or have been or consciously given by an ancestor as an adaptation of the original name.

Finally, the surname Spittinger also derives from the same root as Spidel. This was another mountain name, and is first recorded in the 12th century in southwestern Switzerland.

In conclusion, the surname Spidel has various variants, spellings, and surnames derived from it. These include Spiess, Spiedel, Speidel, Speiss, Speece, Speece, Spittal, Spyddell, Spydell, and Spittinger.

Famous people with the name Spidel

• Rob Spidel: Rob Spidel is an award-winning American film, television, theatre, and voice actor. He has garnered four Emmy Awards for his performance on the popular comedy show, The Big Bang Theory.
• David Spidel: David Spidel is an American filmmaker and producer who has produced films such as Inception, Baby Driver, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
• Moira Spidel: Moira Spidel is a Canadian-American journalist and author who has written for the Globe & Mail, National Post, CBC Radio, and The New Yorker.
• Sarah Spidel: Sarah Spidel is an American pop and singer-songwriter who has collaborated with the likes of Flo Rida, Pharrell Williams, and Ty Dolla Sign.
• Thaddeus Spidel: Thaddeus Spidel is an American television actor who has appeared on The Haves and the Have Nots and Law & Order.
• Andrea Spidel: Andrea Spidel is an American television actress who has appeared on shows such as Bones and Grey's Anatomy.
• Harley Spidel: Harley Spidel is an American film and television actor who has appeared on shows such as The Originals, The Loud House, and Criminal Minds.
• Celeste Spidel: Celeste Spidel is an American actress and singer who has appeared in television shows such as Scandal and Glee.
• Rebecca Spidel: Rebecca Spidel is an American film and television actress who has starred in films such as The Stepford Wives and Don't Fade Away.
• Charles Spidel: Charles Spidel is an American political commentator who has appeared on CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC.

Other surnames

Spidell