Last Name Eberle

The surname Eberle is of German origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "eber" meaning "boar" and "le" (later altered to "ler"), a suffix denoting occupation. As such, it was likely used by someone who had the occupation of a swineherd or pig-keeper in the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eberle

The meaning and origin of the last name Eberle

The surname Eberle is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word 'eber' which means "wild boar" and '-le' or '-li', indicating "person from". It is therefore a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where wild boars were found, or an occupational name for a hunter or trapper of wild boars. The surname Eberle was common throughout Germany and its neighboring regions during the Middle Ages, when family names began to be adopted in Europe. It is also found among the early German immigrants who settled in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, where many German-speaking families established themselves during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the surname Eberle is still predominantly found among people of German descent, but it has spread to other parts of the world as a result of migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eberle

The last name Eberle is primarily distributed across several regions, with notable concentrations in Germany and its surrounding countries, reflecting its Germanic origin. In Germany, it is most prevalent in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse, though it can be found throughout the country. The surname also has a significant presence in Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Beyond Europe, Eberle is also found in communities of German descent in North America, particularly in the United States, where it is most common in states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Additionally, smaller groups of people with the last name Eberle can be found in Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and other countries with a history of immigration from Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eberle

The surname Eberle has multiple variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some of these include Aebel, Aebli, Aebler, Aeble, Aebler, Aeblhart, Aeblihauser, Aeblehauser, Ebeler, Ebeli, Ebeler, Ebelt, Ebeltz, Eblers, Ebler, Ebled, Ebeldt, and Ebelth. These variations can be found in German-speaking regions as well as in countries where the surname has been anglicized or transliterated. The root of the name is believed to derive from Middle High German 'Ebele' which means hazel nut.

Famous people with the last name Eberle

Notable individuals with the surname Eberle include:

1. Randy Eberle (born 1956), an American guitarist and singer-songwriter, best known as a founding member and bassist of the progressive rock band Kansas.

2. Scott Eberle (1963–2014), an American science journalist who served as director of the National Science Foundation's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs for 17 years, passing away at age 50 due to a rare form of lung cancer.

3. John Paul Eberle (born 1968), an American politician who served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2003 to 2013, representing District 14A in Carver County.

4. Eric Eberle (born 1971), an American professional poker player known for his success in World Poker Tour events and other major tournaments.

5. Sarah Eberle (born 1980), a British landscape designer who specializes in creating sustainable gardens using native plants, winning numerous awards for her designs.

Genealogical research on the last name Eberle

The surname Eberle, of German origin, is primarily associated with Central Europe, particularly Germany and Switzerland. It is derived from the Middle High German "Eber" meaning wild boar and "Le" meaning clearing or meadow, indicating an individual living in a place where wild boars were once common.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name was Konrad Eberlin, born around 1300 in Germany. The name Eberle became more prevalent during the 17th and 18th centuries, with significant populations settling in the Palatinate region and the Black Forest.

In the United States, the first recorded immigrant bearing the surname Eberle was Johann Eberlin who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1739. Over time, variants of the name such as Eberly, Ebert, and Aubrey also emerged due to phonetic or orthographic changes during migration.

Today, the Eberle family can be found worldwide, with significant numbers in Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Genealogical research on this surname often involves tracing lineages through German and Swiss records, as well as immigration and naturalization documents from various countries of settlement.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Eberle"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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