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Last Name Divel

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What is the origin of the last name Divel?

The surname Divel is of German origin, specifically from the region of Swabia. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived by a hollow or a valley, from the Middle High German "dipil" meaning "valley." However, it's important to note that surnames often have various possible origins and regional variations. The specific origin of a particular instance of the surname Divel may require further research based on historical records related to the individual's family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Divel

The meaning and origin of the last name Divel

The surname Divel is of Old German origin, specifically from the region of Swabia, which is now part of southwestern Germany and Austria. The name is derived from the personal name "Dietwald," composed of the elements "diet" meaning "people" or "court," and "wald" meaning "rule." Over time, the name evolved into its current form, Divel, as a result of various spelling variations that occurred during the Middle Ages due to differences in language dialects, transcription errors, and the influence of nearby languages. The surname Divel has been found throughout Europe since medieval times, with notable bearers appearing in historical records from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Geographical distribution of the last name Divel

The surname Divel is primarily concentrated in France, with a significant portion found in the north-eastern regions, particularly in Pas-de-Calais and Aisne departments, suggesting potential origins from these areas. Additionally, smaller clusters can be found in other French regions such as Haute-Savoie, Seine-et-Marne, and Essonne. Outside France, the surname Divel is less common but has been recorded in Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, likely due to migration from France over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Divel

The surname Divel has several variations and spelling modifications across different regions and periods. Some common variations include Devile, DeVille, D'Aville, De Viel, De Vel, and De Villes. These differences can be attributed to factors such as phonetic changes over time, regional dialects, or personal preferences in spelling. In some cases, the name might have originated from place names like "Devil's Acre" or "Devil's Elm," while other variations may have been anglicized adaptations of French, Dutch, or German surnames. Despite these differences, all variants share a common root, and researching family history can help individuals trace their ancestry and understand the origins and evolution of their unique surname.

Famous people with the last name Divel

The Divel surname is less common among famously recognized individuals compared to other names, but there are some noteworthy figures who bear this name.

John W. Divel Jr., an American businessman, was the founder and former CEO of the company that developed the first successful in-ear headphones for the iPod. In 2017, he co-founded the Silicon Valley Bank's Sports & Entertainment Group to help fund startups within these industries.

In the world of sports, Richard Divel, a South African cricketer, represented his country in test matches from 1948 to 1953. He was part of the national team that won the Test series against England in 1948-49, marking South Africa's return to international cricket after a ban due to apartheid.

Lastly, Michael Divel is an accomplished musician who has worked as a producer and engineer for various music artists such as R.E.M., Depeche Mode, The Black Crowes, and Collective Soul. He has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career in the music industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Divel

The surname Divel is believed to have origins in France, specifically from the region of Lorraine. One of the earliest known records of this name is Jean Develle who was recorded in the parish of Saint-Hubert-de-Montmédy, Meuse, Lorraine, France in 1540. The name Divel may be a variant or corruption of Develle, which means "from the devil" in Old French. In England, the name first appeared during the Great Migration of the 17th century, with Thomas Divell recorded as living in Kent in 1639. The Divells were among the early settlers in the American colonies, with John Divoll settling in Virginia in 1652 and Samuel Divall arriving in Maryland in 1664. Today, Divel or its variations such as Develle, Devol, Deville, Devill, Divil, and Divell are found across Europe and North America.

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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