Surname Beckel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Beckel: What does the surname Beckel mean?
The surname Beckel is of German origin and it is primarily found among populations in northern Germany. The name could possibly be derived from the Middle High German word ‘becke’ or ‘becker’ meaning ‘baker’. Therefore, the name likely arose as an occupational surname for a person who was a baker by trade. Alternately, it could also have derived from ‘bach’ or ‘beck’ meaning a brook or stream, indicating that the original bearer of the name lived near such a geographical feature. As with most surnames, over time lineage and migration can change the common region or country in which the surname is found, as well as the original meaning or profession associated with the name. Hence, individuals with the surname Beckel today may have connections to a variety of different countries, cultures, and professions.
Order DNA origin analysisBeckel: Where does the name Beckel come from?
The surname Beckel is of German origin. It originates from the medieval personal name "Becchilo". The name could be derived from "beke", a Low German word meaning "beak", possibly used as a nickname for someone with a prominent nose.
Surnames were often taken based on the profession, geographic location, or personal attributes of the individual. In some cases, the name Beckel could also possibly be locational, taken from a place in Northern Germany known as Beckeln.
Today, the surname Beckel is most common in the United States. There, it was likely popularized by immigrants from Germany. It is also likely found amongst German communities worldwide, especially in Europe. However, it's not a very common surname. According to the 2014 US Census data, Beckel only ranked as the 34613rd most prevalent surname in the country. So while it is present, it isn't widespread.
Variations of the surname Beckel
Beckel is a surname that is believed to have originated in Germany. It shares its origins with other German surnames similar in spelling and pronunciation, suggesting variability in the way the surname has been anglicized over time.
Some variants and similar spellings of it include Beckell, Beckle, and Beckal. The "el" ending in German surnames typically suggests a locality or occupation, which means these variations could all stem from the same origin.
Another spelling variant includes Bechel which retains the original German pronunciation. Additionally, considering the fickleness of record keeping in the past, even wildly different spellings such as Beagle or Baccala could be related to Beckel.
As for surnames of the same origin, Beck is a more streamlined version that has become common in English-speaking countries. Derivatives like Becker and Beckman might also have the same roots, as they share the same prefix.
In some cases, a longer version of the name, such as Beckenlehner or Beckelheimer might be found.
However, it's important to note that while these surnames are phonetically and etymologically similar, without individual genealogical research, it's impossible to guarantee they are all related to Beckel.
Famous people with the name Beckel
- Robert Gilliland Beckel: Known as Bob Beckel, he is an American political analyst and pundit who frequently appears on Fox News.
- Graham Beckel: An American character actor known for his roles in films like "Brokeback Mountain" and "L.A. Confidential."
- Eric Thomas Beckel: A former professional American football player who played as a guard in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons.
- Barbara Beckel: An American actress known for her roles in movies such as "The Three Stooges 75th Anniversary Special" and "Deconstructing Harry."
- Ellison Beckel: An Australian sculptor whose works have been widely displayed across Australia.
- Conrad Beckel: A Canadian golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the early 20th century.
- Landon Beckel: A Canadian actor known for his work in television series and films.
- Cynthia Beckel: An American author known for her work in the mystery and suspense genre.