Last Name Eckle

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eckle

The meaning and origin of the last name Eckle

The surname Eckle is primarily of German origin, derived from various places named Ekkel, Ecke, or Ecke, which appear in several regions of Germany. These locations are named after the Old High German word "ecki" meaning "corner," a reference to their geographical features like a bend in a river or a location marked by a prominent corner. Over time, the name evolved as families migrated from these regions and settled elsewhere, leading to the widespread use of Eckle as a surname. The surname is also found in other countries where German immigrants have settled, such as the United States and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eckle

The surname Eckle is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Austria, due to its origins from these countries. It also has significant presence in Switzerland, reflecting the historical cultural and linguistic ties between these Germanic-speaking countries. Additionally, smaller populations of individuals with the last name Eckle can be found in other parts of Europe, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavia, as a result of migration and settlement patterns over time. Outside Europe, the name has been carried by immigrants to North America, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily from Germany and Austria. In the United States, for example, the state with the highest concentration of people named Eckle is Wisconsin, followed by Ohio and Minnesota, reflecting the migration patterns of German settlers in the 19th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eckle

The surname Eckle has several variations and spellings, reflecting different regional pronunciations and historical influences. Some of these include Ekkel, Eckell, Echle, Eichle, Eickel, and Eikel. These variations may have arisen due to differences in spelling conventions over time, or by migrants adapting the name to fit local phonetics. The root word "Eck" is of German origin and means "corner" or "angle", which suggests an early reference to a specific geographical location. It's essential to remember that surnames were often spelled according to the transcriber's dialect, leading to multiple spellings for the same name in various records.

Famous people with the last name Eckle

The Eckle surname has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of sports, there is Tom Eckle, a former American football player who played for teams like Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions during the 1960s and early 1970s. In music, Jens Eckel is a German musician known for his work with electronic music projects such as Klangkrieg and Pole. In academia, Paul Eckle is a German neuroscientist who has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory. Lastly, in literature, Christa Wolf, born Christa Eckle, was an East German writer known for her works exploring the social and political issues of her time. These examples highlight the diverse achievements and impact of individuals bearing the last name Eckle across various domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Eckle

The surname Eckle originates from Germany and is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near an oak tree or clearing, or a metonymic occupational name for a keeper of oak trees. Variations of the name include Ekkel, Eckel, and Eccles. The earliest known record of the name dates back to 1273 in Germany, where the individual was named Konrad Ekkel. The family later spread throughout Europe, with notable migrations to Switzerland and France during the Middle Ages. In the 18th century, several Eckle families emigrated from Germany to North America, settling primarily in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The name remains common in both Germany and the United States today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Eckle"
• 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