Last Name Diebold

Learn more about the origin of the last name Diebold

The meaning and origin of the last name Diebold

The surname Diebold is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "diu bolde," meaning "the bold one." It is an occupational name for a blacksmith or armorer, as the word 'bolde' can refer to a hammer or weapon. Alternatively, it could also have been a nickname given to someone who was strong and fearless, hence the translation to 'the bold one.' Over time, the spelling has evolved from "diu bolde" to Diebold in modern usage. The surname is common among German-speaking populations and has been carried by immigrants to various parts of the world, including North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Diebold

The surname Diebold is primarily distributed across North America and Western Europe, particularly Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. In Germany, it originated from the region of Swabia, while in Switzerland, it is most commonly found in the cantons of Zurich, Aargau, and Schaffhausen. In the United States, the highest concentrations of individuals with the Diebold surname can be found in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and California, which may reflect immigration patterns from Germany and Switzerland. Additionally, there are smaller populations of Diebolds in countries like Canada, Australia, and South Africa, indicating dispersal through global migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Diebold

The surname Diebold has several variations and spellings, mainly due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include Dieboldt, Deibold, Teebold, Tiebold, and Thiebaut. These variations are derived from the Old German name "Theobald," which means "people's brave or noble people." The name evolved through Latinization as "Theobaldus" and was later anglicized into Diebold in English-speaking regions during the Middle Ages. Additionally, regional dialects, transcription errors, and the use of different languages may have contributed to the development of these alternative spellings over time.

Famous people with the last name Diebold

Diebold is a surname of German origin, and some notable individuals with this last name include:

1. John Henry Diebold (1827-1906), an American businessman who founded Diebold Brothers Safe Company, a manufacturing company that specialized in safes and bank vaults. The company later evolved into Diebold Incorporated, a multinational technology and security firm.

2. J. Edgar Hoover (1895-1972), an American law enforcement leader who served as the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1924 until his death in 1972. Although not a Diebold by birth, he was adopted by a family named Diebold at the age of two.

3. Paul Diebold (1906-1985), an American economist and academic who made significant contributions to economic theory, particularly in the areas of international trade and economic development. He served as President of the American Economic Association in 1964.

Genealogical research on the last name Diebold

The Diebold surname originated from Germany, specifically the Rhine and Moselle regions, where it is believed to have been derived from the Old High German "diu bolda," meaning "the bold one" or "the brave." Records show that this name was first documented in the 13th century.

The Diebold family migrated to Switzerland during the Middle Ages and later spread across Europe due to religious conflicts, with significant populations settling in France and England. In the late 17th century, many Diebolds emigrated from Germany and Switzerland to North America. Notably, some of these families arrived in Pennsylvania and eventually established the town of Diebolt, Ohio, named after a prominent family member.

In the United States, the Diebold name can be traced back to John Diebold, who immigrated to Philadelphia from Kaiserslautern, Germany, in 1730. The Diebolds played an essential role in American history, with notable figures like James Diebold, a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania and Samuel Diebold, a Union Army officer during the Civil War.

Today, the Diebold surname is widespread across the United States, Canada, and Europe, reflecting its long and rich history spanning several centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Diebold"
• 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