Surname Turkel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'T'
Turkel: What does the surname Turkel mean?
The surname Turkel is of Turkic origin, relating to a broad family of ethnic groups who speak languages belonging to the Turkic language family. It derived from the Turkic-Mongol word "Turk" referring to “strength” and used to denote someone from Turkey or with Turkish ancestry. In other cultures, this surname may have different derivations and meanings. Like many surnames, it may have started as a nickname or job description. Over time, it evolved into a family name passed down through generations. It's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, shaped by geographical, occupational, patronymic, and other factors, thus the interpretation can vary. The surname is popular among Jewish families but not necessarily indicating Turkish origins, as it could also derive from other Yiddish or Ashkenazi influences. Famous people with this last name include American actress and writer Studs Terkel.
Order DNA origin analysisTurkel: Where does the name Turkel come from?
The surname Turkel is of Jewish origin, and is most commonly found in Israel today. The Jewish population of Israel is estimated at approximately 6.2 million people and represents about 75% of the population. It is, therefore, safe to assume that the surname Turkel is well represented among the Jews of Israel. The Turkels are commonly found among the Ashkenazi Jews, who are of Central and Eastern European descent, as well as, Sephardi Jews, who are traditionally from the Iberian Peninsula.
Outside of Israel, Turkel is found most prominently in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., the surname is popular among individuals of Ashkenazi descent living in urban areas, such as New York City and Toronto. Furthermore, records show that the surname has spread to other countries including Germany, England, and France.
Turkel is also a frequent last name among many Jewish diasporas such as those in South Africa, Australia and Latin America. Furthermore, Turkel is also found among some non-Jewish Europeans in countries such as Austria and the Netherlands.
Overall, while geographically dispersed, the surname Turkel is most commonly found among Ashkenazi Jews as they make up the majority of Jewish communities both in Israel and around the world.
Variations of the surname Turkel
Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Turkel include Turkle, Turcle, Turckel, and Turkle. These variants are derived from the Old German given name “Turcwald”, which is composed of two elements - “Turc” and “wald”. “Turc” means a native of Turkey, or a Turk, while “wald” means power or rule. The surname is found primarily in the countries of Germany, Poland, and Belarus, but it is also common in other European countries, as well as in the United States and Canada.
In the United States, the spelling “Turkel” is the most common form of the surname. There are a few variations, such as Turkelle, Turckle, and Turkele, which are typically found among American Jews with Central and Eastern European ancestors. The surname Turckel is also common among German-speaking populations in North America.
Other variants include Turkelman, Turkels, and Türkle. Türkle is a variation of the German form of the name, which has roots in Jewish populations throughout Europe. The surname is also found in various English forms such as Turkelson, Turkleson, Turkelsan, and Turkell. Lastly, in some cases, the surname may have been Anglicized to Smith, which could explain why it is found in parts of the English-speaking world.
Famous people with the name Turkel
- Bob Turkel: A Mathematician and Director of Global Creative Services at ABC/Disney.
- Alan Turkel: Longtime film and television actor best known for his roles in such TV series as "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Flipper" and "The Practice."
- Ira Turkel: American lawyer, Labor activist and former Foster Grandparents program manager.
- Jaron Turkel: Actor, writer and stand-up comedian who has appeared on several television shows like "Funny or Die Presents" and "Last Comic Standing."
- Elena Turkel: American makeup artist who has worked with many Hollywood celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, and Halle Berry.
- Ellery Turkel: Author, journalist, and editor-in-chief of TakePart.com.
- John Turkel: American musician, composer, and producer who has worked with various popular rock and roll and jazz artists such as Art Garfunkel and David Sanborn.
- Lewis Turkel: American Rabbi, philosopher, and the founding director of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership.
- Jerry Turkel: Singer-songwriter from New York City whose songwriting has been described as “poetic and soulful.”
- Joan Turkel: American television and film actress, best known for her role in the television show "Doogie Howser, M.D."