Surname Zwibel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'Z'
Zwibel: What does the surname Zwibel mean?
The last name Zwibel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word 'swibel' which literally translates as 'quick'. It is thought to have originally been an occupational surname for a fast-moving artisan. It is also believed that the family could have been of a religious background, possibly with Jewish origins.
This surname is quite rare and is likely to have been used by a select few families over the years. The earliest known mention of the name in records is found in the late 12th century when a Margrave Zwibel de Preussen is recorded to have been part of the 1154 Assembly of German knights of the Teutonic Order.
In the 17th century, records show the Zwibel family to have been based in Monheim, now part of the city of Cologne in Germany. It is thought that the family had already been based in the area for some time before this.
In modern times, the Zwibel surname can be found scattered around the world including in parts of Europe, the United States and South America. It is seen as a symbol of hard-work, determination and ambition as all those with this surname are believed to have descended from hard-working ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisZwibel: Where does the name Zwibel come from?
The last name Zwibel is not common today, but can be found in small pockets around the world. It is most commonly seen in Jewish families that have their origins in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia, where the name is sometimes spelled Tsvibel, Svibel, Cwibel, or Zwiebel. It is also seen in other parts of Europe, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria. The last name is also present in regions like North America, South Africa, and Israel.
It is believed that the name traces back to the Hebrew language and could have derived from the word tsvi, which translates to a deer or gazelle. This would indicate that the original bearer of this surname had characteristics associated with these creatures, such as beauty, agility or gracefulness. The name might also have been derived from the German word zwibel, which means onion. This could indicate that the original bearer of the name was a grower or seller of onions.
The earliest mention of the Zwibel name can be traced back to Europe in the 12th century. It later spread throughout the continent, and then to different parts of the world as Jewish families sought refuge away from areas of oppression and persecution.
Today, when the surname Zwibel is encountered, it is usually in families that live in areas with established Jewish populations, such as North America, Israel, and South Africa. It is also seen in countries like Germany and Austria, as well as in Poland and the Czech Republic, where it has tightly-knit communities.
Variations of the surname Zwibel
The variant spellings and surnames for Zwibel are Zwiebel, Zwiabel, Zveibel, and Zweibel.
Originally hailing from Germany, the Zwibel family name is derived from the German word "zwibel," which can refer to "a young onion or razor." This is believed to have been the ancestral symbol of the Zwibel family, which likely also denotes the family's professional roots as horticultural merchants or farmers.
The spelling of Zwibel has evolved over time and is sometimes seen as Zwiebel, Zwiabel, Zveibel, or Zweibel. The suggested primary origin of the family name comes from a line of people who lived in the estates of the well-known nobility of Germany in the 1700s, such as Schwaben, Württemberg, and Baden.
In addition, the Zwibel family name also has Ashkenazi Jewish roots with some families migrating from Prussia and Galicia to the United States around the early 19th century. The surnamed Zwibel also sprouted up in some other Central European communities including Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Bohemia in the form of spellings such as Zwiehl and Zweibel.
Other variations of the Zwibel name have even come from some parts of Poland such as the Zwiebel, Zwibel, and Zwibelak variations.
Furthermore, a small number of families throughout the world can be traced back to have the Zwibel surname. Countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Argentina, and South Africa are some examples.
Overall, the surname Zwibel has morphed over time; however, its origin is still believed to stem from the German word "zwibel," which can refer to a young onion or razor. This name began to spread from Germany and Europe into other parts of the world throughout the 19th century.
Famous people with the name Zwibel
- Gerald Zwibel: Canadian astrophysicist
- Celia Zwibel: American actress
- Murray Zwibel: American photographer
- Harvey Zwibel: American lawyer and judge
- Alexander Zwibel: German-Jewish author
- Max Zwibel: Canadian politician and David Thompson University President
- Amy Zwibel: Member of the board of trustees for the American Civil Liberties Union
- Noah Zwibel: Canadian actor
- Jakob Zwibel: Austrian journalist
- Arnold Zwibel: American Economist and Professor