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Last Name Amselle

What is the origin of the last name Amselle?

The surname "Amselle" is of sefarate origin and means "people of God" in Hebrew. It is carried by Jews from North Africa, particularly from Algeria.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Amselle

The meaning and origin of the last name Amselle

The family name Amselle is of Berber origin and is often worn by persons of Jewish origin. It would come from the Berber masculine name "Amzil" which means "louable" or "dignity of respect". This surname could therefore refer to a positive quality or characteristic attributed to the ancestor bearing that name. It is possible that the Amselle family has migrated to northern Europe in Africa, particularly in France, due to the waves of Jewish sefarad immigration that took place over the course of history. Thus, the family name Amselle bears witness to both the Berber origin of the family and its migration history within the Jewish diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Amselle

The Amselle family name is mainly common in France, especially in the eastern and south-eastern regions. It is found in the departments of Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Vosges, Moselle and Rhône. It is also present in overseas departments such as Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. It is also found in Israel, particularly in the Tel Aviv and Haifa regions. Outside these regions, the Amselle family name is less common, but can be found sporadically in other countries such as Canada, the United States and Algeria. This geographical distribution shows a certain diversity of the Amselle family name throughout the world, although its main concentration remains in France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Amselle

The surname Amselle can also be written Amzel, Amsel, Amzal or Amzel. These different spellings are variations of the same origin of the name, which is of Berber origin. The surname Amselle is quite rare and is mainly found in North Africa, particularly Algeria. It can be spelled in different ways according to regions and family traditions. Despite variations in spelling, this family name retains a common meaning and history for families who wear it. The diversity of spellings may sometimes complicate genealogical research or the traceability of family members, but it also adds a wealth to linguistic and cultural diversity.

Famous people with the last name Amselle

The surname Amselle is mainly associated with Jean-Loup Amselle, a French anthropologist and writer known for his work on globalization and post-colonial cultures. Born in 1942, he published numerous books that marked the field of anthropology, including "Métis Logiques" and "L'Occident décroché". Jean-Loup Amselle is regarded as one of the most influential intellectuals of his generation, and his analysis of the changes in contemporary societies has made him an indispensable reference in the academic world. His commitment to cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue make him a major figure in postcolonial thinking in France.

Genealogical research on the last name Amselle

Genealogical research on the Amselle family name can be traced back to the Sephardic Jewish origins in Spain, before the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. This name could be derived from the Hebrew word "am" which means "people" or "nation". It is possible that the Amselle family migrated to other countries such as Turkey, Algeria or France following the Jewish diaspora. By conducting extensive research into historical archives, parish records and immigration documents, it could be possible to trace the history and origins of the Amselle family. The research could also reveal extended family branches, ancestral ties and surprising stories about the members of this lineage.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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