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Last Name Christel

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What is the origin of the last name Christel?

The surname "Christel" is derived from the given name Christoph, which is a German form of Christopher. The name Christopher comes from the Greek words "Khristos," meaning "Christ," and "phero," meaning "bearer." Thus, the surname Christel is a variant of the surnames Christophel or Christoph and has its origins in Central Europe, particularly Germany. Over time, variations in spelling have occurred due to differences in translation, transcription, and migration patterns.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Christel

The meaning and origin of the last name Christel

The surname Christel is of German origin, derived from the given name Christine, which means "follower of Christ" in Greek. The name was popularized during the Middle Ages due to the veneration of Saint Christina, who was a martyr and patron saint of travelers and fishermen. Over time, variations of the name such as Cristel, Kristel, or Krischel emerged, likely influenced by regional dialects and spelling conventions. The surname Christel is relatively uncommon compared to other German surnames, but it can be found in various parts of the world where Germans have migrated, including North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Geographical distribution of the last name Christel

The surname Christel has its origins primarily in Germany and Scandinavia, with significant concentrations in these regions. In Germany, it is most common in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Saxony. In Scandinavia, the name is found notably in Sweden and Denmark. The name can also be traced in small numbers in other European countries due to migrations over centuries. Outside Europe, there are pockets of Christel families primarily in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, owing to immigration waves from Germany and Scandinavia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, Christel is also present, albeit in smaller numbers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Christel

The surname Christel has several variations and spelling differences, predominantly due to differences in translation and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include:

1. Christle: An anglicized version of the original German form, "Christel."
2. Christall: A variation derived from the German word for "crystal," which is similar in sound to "Christel."
3. Cristal: A modernized, Latin-influenced variant of Christel.
4. Christale: A feminine version of the name, commonly found among French and French Canadian families.
5. Kristel: An alternate spelling that represents a phonetic transcription of the original German name.
6. Cristal-Christel: A compound form combining elements from both Latin and German spellings.
7. Krystel: A variant with slightly different spelling, influenced by regional dialects or personal preference.
8. Christelle: A French feminine variation, similar to the German Christel but with an additional "e" at the end.
9. Christiannel: Another French variation, derived from the male given name Christian, possibly influenced by the similarity in sound between the masculine and feminine forms of the name.

Famous people with the last name Christel

Notable individuals with the surname Christel include:

1. Christel Khalil: An American actress known for her role as Lily Winters on the daytime drama series "The Young and the Restless" from 2002 to 2016.

2. Christel Bouvier: A French former tennis player who won the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon in 1973 with Arthur Ashe.

3. Christel Lee: An American beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss USA 1990 and represented the United States at Miss Universe 1990.

4. Christel Schmidt: A German gymnast who won a bronze medal in the team event at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

5. Christel Lee (politician): An American politician who served as a member of the California State Assembly from 1982 to 1994.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields such as acting, sports, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Christel

The surname Christel is of German origin, derived from various places named Christeln, Christelsdorf, and similar, which can be found in several regions of Germany. The name is often associated with Christian settlements or individuals. One of the earliest known records of this surname dates back to the 13th century in the city-state of Bremen, where a man named Henricus de Christel was documented in 1248. The Christel family tree has expanded significantly over centuries, with notable figures such as Philipp Christel (1796-1850), a German painter, and Friedrich Christl (1901-1977), an Austrian physician and mountaineer. Today, the Christel lineage can be traced across Europe, North America, Australia, and other parts of the world, reflecting the family's migration over time.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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