Surname Breils - Meaning and Origin
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Breils: What does the surname Breils mean?
The last name Breils is a German surname of uncertain origin, though it is likely derived from a personal name. Breils is thought to be derived either from the Old High German 'brehi', meaning 'power' or 'influence', or from the Latin ‘villa breilis’ meaning 'dweller of Breils'. A third possible origin is from the Old German 'breht', meaning 'bright'.
This surname is most common in Germany, where it is found primarily in the states of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. It is also found throughout the Netherlands, as well as in the United States and Latin America.
The Breils surname has a number of variants such as Briles, Brehls, and Brehls. In medieval Germany, the variations of the Breils surname were adopted as a way of distinguishing between family members and for social signifying. It was also seen as a way of showing points of commonality in a given community or region.
In modern times, the Breils surname may be used to signify a particular regional or cultural identity. It is also used to show familial pride and dynastic loyalty. People with the Breils surname are often proud of their history and of the honor associated with the name.
Order DNA origin analysisBreils: Where does the name Breils come from?
The last name Breils is found primarily throughout Europe today, with largest concentrations in Germany and Austria. In Germany, Breils is found mainly in Bavaria (the eastern and southern regions), and in other parts of the former Prussian state. In Austria, Breils is especially common in Lower Austria (the eastern and central regions), and around the cities of Vienna and Graz. The name is also found in the Netherlands and in the former Yugoslavia countries of Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
The origin of the name Breils is unknown, but some believe it to be derived from a Jewish surname. It is thought that the family may have been of Sephardic origin, and that they moved to Germany or Austria sometime in the 18th century. The earliest known record of the name in Austria is from 1802, and the earliest record of the name in Germany is from 1879.
In addition to Europe, the name Breils is also found in the United States and in other parts of the world. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in areas with large German-American populations, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In other parts of the world, Breils is found mainly in areas where German or Austrian migrants have settled, including Canada, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina.
Variations of the surname Breils
The surname Breils is derived from the Old German word "Brael" or "Bruil", meaning "brave". The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Brail, Brails, Breill, Breille, Breils, Breilz, Breilzs, Briall, Brielle, Briellez, Briells, Bril, Brille, Brillez, Brills, and Bryll.
Brails is perhaps the most common variation of Breils, and a primarily French name. It is thought to derive from Breau, an Old French nickname used to denote someone who was brave in battle. The suffix -ill was often added to Old French words to form a diminutive, hence Briall and Brielle. Brills is a Dutch variant, likely borrowed from French. Breill is an unusual spelling of the name, derived from the Old German and Dutch words “Breil” and “breilen”, which both mean “broad” or “wide".
The surname Breils is also commonly found in German-speaking areas. It originated from the Old High German word Breil, meaning "brave" and was most likely taken on as a surname by a noble family in the Middle Ages. The variants of Breils found in Germany and Austria are Breils, Breilz, Breilzs, and Bryll.
The surname Breils is also common in English, Scottish, and Irish culture. It likely originates from Old English words “beorh” or “brego”, both of which mean “bright" or “glorious”. Variations of the surname found in English and Irish culture include Bril, Breille, Briellez, and Brille.
The surname Breils is a proud name with a rich history that can be traced to multiple cultures and regions. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin have developed over time, allowing this name to become widely used throughout world cultures.
Famous people with the name Breils
- Edward Breils: German cemetery expert and author of several books and articles about cemetery culture.
- Urs Breils: Swiss rower who won gold in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
- Paul Breils: Up-and-coming movie star who is the son of well-known actors Richard and Liane Breils.
- Albert Breils: Guitarist and former member of the Swiss progressive rock band, Breils.
- Maurice Breils: French composer and conductor who wrote the national anthem of Monaco.
- Victor Breils: Grand Prix motorcycle racer in the 1970s and 1980s who won five world championships.
- Jens Breils: German historian and author of several books on the history of the Baltic region.
- Greta Breils: Fashion designer and founder of the popular brand Breils Clothing.
- Pauline Breils: Award-winning opera singer who performed in the United States and Europe.
- Anna Breils: Dutch visual artist who has exhibited her work in several countries.