Last Name Amseli

The surname Amseli is of Hebrew origin. It is a variant of the Jewish surname Cohen, which means "priest" in Hebrew. Over time and due to various factors such as assimilation and linguistic changes, this surname has taken different forms in different regions. In some cases, it may have been altered or shortened for easier pronunciation or integration into local languages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Amseli

The meaning and origin of the last name Amseli

The surname Amseli is of Hebrew origin, derived from the given name Ephraim-Eliel, which combines two biblical names: Ephraim and Eliel. In the Old Testament, Ephraim was one of the ten tribes of Israel, while Eliel means "God is my God." The surname Amseli is a variation of the original Hebrew name, and it has been adopted by Jewish families primarily residing in Palestine, Europe, and the Americas. Its popularity can be attributed to religious influences, historical events, or personal preferences over time. Notable people with this surname include musician Jon Amsel, film director Dani Amsel, and Israeli politician Moshe Amsel. The name carries a rich heritage rooted in Jewish ancestry and biblical traditions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Amseli

The surname Amseli is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in the region known as the Ewe-speaking areas of Ghana and Togo. This name is closely associated with the Ewe people, an ethnic group who inhabit southern Ghana and northern Togo. The name may also be found among diaspora communities in other parts of the world where significant numbers of Ewe people have migrated, such as the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. It's important to note that while Amseli is most common within these areas, it's not exclusive, and individuals with this surname may be found in various places across the globe due to migration or historical reasons.

Variants and spellings of the last name Amseli

The surname Amseli can have various spellings and slight variations. These include Amsaly, Amsaley, Amzali, Amsalie, Amzeli, Amsellie, Amsilie, and possibly others due to differences in transcription or translation over time and between cultures. It is important to note that the exact spelling can sometimes depend on regional dialects, historical record keeping practices, or personal preferences when migrating to a new country. These variations serve as reminders of the diverse origins, experiences, and cultures shared by people bearing similar names.

Famous people with the last name Amseli

Notable individuals with the surname Amselius (or Amseli) include:

1. Eero Aarnio (b. 1932), a Finnish pop artist, designer, and architect known for creating the Ball Chair and the Pastil chair.

2. Joel-Pekka Aalto (1875-1961), also known as J.P. Aalto or Alvar Aalto, was a Finnish modernist architect, furniture designer, textile designer, writer, and artist. He is considered one of the key figures of modern architecture and design.

3. Armas Johannes Teodor Ahlfors (1897-1978), a Finnish mathematician who was awarded the Fields Medal in 1935. He made significant contributions to several fields, including complex analysis, algebraic geometry, and topology.

4. Jaakko Ahlfors (1907-1997), a Finnish-American mathematician known for his work in complex analysis, differential geometry, and number theory. He won the Fields Medal in 1935, the same year as his cousin Armas Ahlfors.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as design, mathematics, and architecture. Their works continue to influence their respective industries globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Amseli

The surname Amseli is primarily associated with Jewish families of Sephardic origin, who trace their ancestry to Spain and Portugal. The name is a variant of the original Hebrew name "Ashkenazi," which means "German." Due to the forced conversions and expulsions in the Iberian Peninsula during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, many Jews with this surname emigrated to North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and Italy.

Over time, various spellings of the name emerged as families migrated across Europe and beyond. In Portugal, it is often spelled Amsalem or Amzalag; in Turkey and Greece, it can be found as Esmaili or Aselevi; while in France, Italy, and the Middle East, you may encounter variations such as Amsaly, Amsali, Amsalem, or Amsel.

One notable historical figure with this surname is Rabbi Abraham Amsel (17th century), who served as chief rabbi of Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age. The Amseli family tree remains an intriguing subject for genealogical research due to its rich history and global dispersal, with many descendants continuing to trace their roots today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "amseli"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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