Last Name Erhel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Erhel

The meaning and origin of the last name Erhel

The surname Erhel is of Breton origin, derived from the Old Breton personal name Aerhael, composed of the elements "aer" meaning "battle" and "hael" meaning "generous" or "magnificent". The name was likely given to individuals who were considered great or generous in battle. The surname Erhel is predominantly found in the Brittany region of France, where the Breton language and culture have historically been prominent. Over time, variations of the surname may have emerged as individuals migrated to different regions or through the phonetic evolution of the name. Today, individuals with the surname Erhel can be found in various parts of the world, although the concentration remains highest in France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Erhel

The last name Erhel is primarily found in France, particularly in the region of Brittany. It is a relatively rare surname, with most individuals bearing this name residing in the cities of Rennes, Nantes, and Brest. Outside of France, there are scattered instances of the Erhel surname in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany, often as a result of migration or emigration from France. In these countries, individuals with the last name Erhel can be found in urban areas with large French expatriate communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Erhel remains concentrated in France, particularly in the region of Brittany, where it likely originated from.

Variants and spellings of the last name Erhel

The last name Erhel may have several variations and spellings, including Erheli, Erhelle, and Erhell. Other possible variations could include Arhel, Errhel, and Ehrle. Depending on the region or country, the name may be spelled slightly differently to reflect local dialects or pronunciations. In some cases, the name may also be written with a capital letter at the beginning, such as in the form of ErHel. Overall, the variations and spellings of the last name Erhel demonstrate the diverse ways in which names can be interpreted and written across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Erhel

The most famous person with the last name Erhel is Corinne Erhel, a French politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from 2007 until her untimely death in 2017. She was known for her dedication to digital and technological issues, advocating for stronger protections of personal data and increased investment in the tech sector. Corinne Erhel was well-respected for her intelligence, eloquence, and commitment to public service. Although she was the most prominent figure with the last name Erhel, there may be other individuals with the same surname who have made contributions in various fields such as academia, sports, or the arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Erhel

The surname Erhel is of Breton origin, derived from the old Breton personal name Arzhel, meaning "bear prince" in Breton and originates from the Celtic word "artos" meaning bear. The name Erhel is predominantly found in Brittany, in north-western France. It is believed that the earliest known record of the Erhel surname dates back to the 14th century in the region of Brittany. Throughout history, the Erhel family has been associated with various occupations, including farming, fishing, and seafaring. The surname likely spread to other regions of France and beyond through migration and intermarriage. Today, individuals with the surname Erhel can still be found primarily in Brittany, as well as in other parts of France and in countries with Breton influence.