Last Name Eckel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eckel

The meaning and origin of the last name Eckel

The surname Eckel originates from Germany and is derived from various places with similar names that can be found in several regions of the country. One possible origin could be from the village Ekkel in North Rhine-Westphalia, which was first mentioned in documents dating back to 1395. Another possibility is that it comes from the Middle High German word "eckel" meaning "little corner" or "nook." It's also possible that the name originated as a nickname for someone who lived or worked near a small corner or nook. Over time, the name spread throughout Germany and eventually migrated with German settlers to other parts of Europe and North America. Today, it remains a common surname in Germany and among its diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eckel

The surname Eckel is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, primarily Germany and Switzerland, due to its origins from the Middle High German "ekel" or Old Dutch "eckel," meaning maggot or worm. Over time, it has also spread to other countries with significant Germanic populations, such as Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In North America, a notable concentration of Eckels can be found among the German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 18th and 19th centuries. In recent years, due to migration and globalization, individuals with the surname Eckel can now be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eckel

The surname Eckel can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, transcription errors, regional dialects, and individual preferences over time. Some common variants include Eikel, Ekkel, Eichol, Ekhol, Eccles, Eickel, Eikelboom, Eichler, Eikholt, and Eichel. These variations can be traced back to the German and Dutch origins of the name, which is derived from the Old High German word "eihhal" meaning oak clearing or oak-growth, as well as the Dutch words "ei" (egg) and "eikel" (oak nut). It's essential to consider these variations when researching genealogy or family history.

Famous people with the last name Eckel

Notable individuals with the surname Eckel include:

1. Thomas Eckel (1938-2016), a German actor known for his roles in films like "The Tin Drum" and "Woyzeck."

2. Robert Eckel (born 1947), an American economist who was the President of the American Economic Association in 2003. He is known for his work on fiscal policy, economic growth, and income distribution.

3. Christoph Eckel (born 1968), a German politician who has served as a member of the Bundestag since 2017. He belongs to the Social Democratic Party.

4. David Eckel (born 1958), an American historian specializing in the history of early modern Europe, particularly the Habsburg monarchy and Renaissance Italy.

5. John M. Eckel Jr., an economist who was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal in 1976 for his work on energy economics. He is currently a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

Genealogical research on the last name Eckel

The surname Eckel is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "Ekke," meaning corner or angle. It's one of several patronymic names formed with the diminutive suffix "-el" to denote son of Ekke. The name began to appear in records during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions such as Swabia and Franconia.

As German populations migrated across Europe, the Eckel family spread geographically. Some branches settled in England during the 18th and 19th centuries, while others immigrated to the United States in the late 1700s and early 1800s, primarily to Pennsylvania and later other Midwestern states. Notable figures bearing the Eckel name include German chemist Ludwig Eckel (1836-1904), who developed a method for producing acetylene, and American football coach Bob Eckel (born 1932).

Genealogical records can be found in various archives, including church registers, census data, immigration lists, and military records, offering insights into the history and migrations of families with the Eckel surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Eckel"
• 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