Surname Spirkel - Meaning and Origin
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Spirkel: What does the surname Spirkel mean?
The last name Spirkel is of German-Jewish origin, thought to be derived from the Yiddish word ‘spirkel,’ meaning ‘little sparrow.’ The variation in the name in different places is often due to its de-anglicised form as Spark, Sparkill or Spirk.
The first recorded use of the name in documented form was in Germany in 1545, when Abraham Spirkel of Langen, Bavaria was described as a “spinner from Langen.” In the 17th century, families began to migrate to other parts of Europe and the US, with many settling in regions that were under German rule such as parts of Pennsylvania in the US, and villages throughout Southern Europe.
In some cases, the name has changed even more, with its original meaning being lost as the name has gone through alterations in spelling, such as being shortened to ‘Spirk.’ Despite this, the core meaning of the name still holds true, and it is often associated with birds and other things related to nature.
This name has remained with its original family for generations, though some members may have dropped it or anglicised it. Little is known of the original purpose of the name; however, it reflects a close connection between the family and nature, which continues to be true to this day. It is an interesting example of a name which has been passed down the generations, and which still carries the same meaning as it did centuries ago.
Order DNA origin analysisSpirkel: Where does the name Spirkel come from?
The last name Spirkel appears to be a German family name. It is most commonly found in Germany today, where its highest concentration is found in the states of Nordrhein-Westfalen and Sachsen. The name is also found in small numbers in the United Kingdom, United States, Russia, Sweden, Austria and the Czech Republic.
It is likely that the German family name originated in the Middle Ages when Germany was divided into a number of independent states, duchies, principalities and towns. In that time, a number of families took the name of their hometown, inherited a family patronymic, adopted a palace surname, or simply named themselves after a profession or physical description.
In the modern era, Spirkel may be a shortened version of the name Spirkle, derived from the Middle High German word spicke, which designates a tool for making pins in weaving looms. This hints that family members may have engaged in this craft, particularly in the Middle Ages.
Today, the last name Spirkel is believed to be of German origin and is associated with numerous branches of the same extended family. Although it is a relatively uncommon name, there are a number of people in Germany, and other countries, who can claim Spirkel as their family name.
Variations of the surname Spirkel
The surname Spirkel has a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The spelling variations of Spirkel include Spierkel, Spirekel, Spirkle, and Spürkel. The surnames of the same origin are Speerkel, Sprekel, Speerkle, Sporkle and Sprickl.
The surname Spirkel originated in the northern parts of Germany, and records of the name go back to at least the 16th century. It is thought that the original form of the name could have been derived from the German words "speer" which means spear, and "kel" which means vessel or pot. This suggests that the original bearers of the name could have been makers of spears or their arms dealers.
The alternative forms of Spirkel probably arose through dialectic influences and regional Border German language. It is also likely that each form of Spirkel was exclusive to certain tribes in a certain area.
It is evident that the original form of the surname Spirkel has been altered many times throughout time to the many available variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin that are around today.
Famous people with the name Spirkel
- John Spirkel: Pennsylvania Congressman
- Albert Spirkel: put a team together to develop the radio
- Patrick Spirkel: Technology executive at StyleSeat
- Sarah Spirkel- Finley: Program Director at the Illinois Environmental Council
- Heather Spirkel- Ellis: Educator and Business Strategist
- Kara Spirkel- Leonard: Award-winning Clinical Nutritionist
- Kasey Spirkel: Queen’s Community Economic Development (CED) expert
- Lindsey Spirkel: Lead Policy Analyst and Caucus Liaison
- Shirley Spirkel-Berry: Motivational Speaker and Educator
- Doug Spirkel: Radio Dj and Voice Actor