Last Name Biegel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Biegel

The meaning and origin of the last name Biegel

The surname Biegel is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "biegel" or "biegell," which translates to 'bend' or 'crook.' This name was often given to individuals who lived near a bend in a river or road, or whose physical appearance suggested a bent or crooked aspect. The surname Biegel can also be found in various spellings across Europe due to historical regional variations and the migration of German-speaking populations. Over time, it has evolved into several distinct variants, such as Beigel, Beichle, and Bygel, reflecting linguistic changes and family lineage developments.

Geographical distribution of the last name Biegel

The surname Biegel has its roots in Germany and is predominantly distributed throughout that country, particularly in regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. It also has a significant presence in other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. In addition to Germany, descendants of individuals with the last name Biegel can be found in various parts of the world due to historical immigration patterns. Notable among these are the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, where the surname is dispersed primarily among populations of German ancestry. The distribution of the surname Biegel mirrors the historical movement of German immigrants across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Biegel

The surname Biegel has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some of these include but are not limited to: Beigel, Beygel, Byegal, Byegle, Biegell, Beigelman, and Byeckel. These variations may also appear with diacritic marks in certain languages such as German (Beigel, Biegel (with umlauts)), Yiddish (Beigel), or Dutch (Biegel). It is essential to note that these variations can stem from a single ancestor and are often found among families of Jewish descent due to the name's origins.

Famous people with the last name Biegel

Notable individuals with the last name Biegel include:

1. John Biegel, an American football coach who serves as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the University of Michigan's football team. He previously played linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for teams like the Detroit Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals.

2. David Biegel, an American mathematician known for his work on topology, algebraic topology, and differential geometry. He is a professor emeritus at Harvard University.

3. Scott Biegel, a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a goaltender. He has played in various minor leagues and European leagues throughout his career.

4. Richard Biegel, an American economist specializing in labor economics. He is the David S. Wohlgelernter Professor of Economics at Haverford College.

5. Adam Biegel, a Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a forward for HC Energie Karlovy Vary in the Czech Extraliga.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as sports, academia, and economics.

Genealogical research on the last name Biegel

The Biegel surname is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "biagel," meaning "bend" or "hook." The name was originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a bend in a river or road, or an occupational name for a maker of hooks or fish traps. Early records show that the name was common in various parts of Germany, particularly in the Rhineland and Westphalia regions.

One notable Biegel lineage traces back to Johann Heinrich Biegel, born in 1682 in Essen, Westphalia, who immigrated to Pennsylvania, USA, in 1735. His descendants spread throughout the United States, with significant populations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. Notable Americans with the surname Biegel include musician Justin Bieber, although there is no confirmed genealogical connection between him and any of these early American lines.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Biegel"
• 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 : 23 July 2025