Last Name Faubel

The surname Faubel is of German origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone with a round face or a rotund figure, from Middle High German "voubel" meaning "round-faced." Alternatively, it could be a topographic name for someone who lived near an open space or meadow (Middle High German "fowe" or "vowe," Old High German "fuobol") or a habitational name for someone from a place called Faubel, which is recorded in several parts of Germany. The earliest known records of the surname Faubel date back to the late Middle Ages in areas such as Swabia and Westphalia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Faubel

The meaning and origin of the last name Faubel

The surname Faubel is of Germanic origin, primarily found within Germany and regions inhabited by German settlers. The name derives from the Old High German "fahabol," which means "faithful servant." It was often given to a serf who served his lord faithfully over several generations, hence the term "faubel" or "fahabol" coming to represent their descendants. Over time, the name has undergone various spellings and pronunciations as it spread across regions, such as Fabul, Fabell, Fabill, Fabel, and Faubel. The surname Faubel can also be found in France, England, and other parts of Europe due to migrations and historical events.

Geographical distribution of the last name Faubel

The surname Faubel has its origins primarily in Germany and neighboring regions, where it is most frequently found due to historical migrations and settlement patterns. Within Germany, the highest concentrations are in Westphalia, Bavaria, and Hesse. Additionally, significant populations of Faubels can be found in Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, reflecting the linguistic and cultural ties between these German-speaking regions. Outside of Europe, a notable presence of Faubel is observed in the United States, primarily in areas with historical German immigration, such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Texas. Canada also hosts a smaller but noticeable number of Faubels, particularly in Ontario and Manitoba. The distribution pattern thus suggests a strong connection to Germanic cultures and historic migratory movements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Faubel

The surname Faubel has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Fabell, Fabiel, Fauvel, Fawbel, Faboll, Favell, and Favelle. These variations may arise due to differences in the local dialect, transcription errors during migration, or changes over time. In addition, some branches of the family tree may have unique spellings that reflect their specific heritage or cultural influence. It is important to note that these variants are not necessarily indicative of a different ancestry, but rather represent phonetic and orthographic variations of the original name. The Faubel lineage can be traced back to various European countries such as Germany, France, and Belgium, where the name originally derived from places named "Fauboul" or similar. The variations and spellings serve as a reminder of the family's rich history and diverse roots.

Famous people with the last name Faubel

Notable individuals sharing the surname Faubel include:

1. **Oliver Faubel** (born 1962), a German former professional footballer who played as a defender, representing FC Schalke 04 and Eintracht Frankfurt, among others, during his career. He was capped for the West Germany national team at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

2. **Heinz Faubel** (born 1935), a German politician who served as Minister of Defense from 1982 to 1990, under Chancellor Helmut Schmidt and Chancellor Helmut Kohl. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

3. **Maria Faustina Kowalska** (1905–1938), also known as St. Faustina or Sister Faustina, was a Polish nun and mystic who is venerated in the Catholic Church. She is best known for her visions of Jesus Christ and the promotion of devotion to Divine Mercy.

4. **Germar Rudolf Faubel** (born 1960), a German engineer and Holocaust denier, who has been described as a key figure in the far-right extremist scene in Germany. He is best known for his denial of the gas chambers used in the Holocaust.

Genealogical research on the last name Faubel

The surname Faubel is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Fabell," meaning "smith" or "ironworker." It is believed to have been originally an occupational name for a metalworker who specialized in bell-making. The family name Faubel can be traced back to the medieval Kingdom of Germany. In the 16th century, members of the Faubel family were recorded as settling in various regions within Germany. One notable branch of the family migrated to the Kingdom of Denmark during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, where they became prominent in Schleswig-Holstein. Over time, descendants of this branch have also been found in other Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Norway. The Faubel family has produced notable figures across various fields, including science, art, and politics throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Faubel"
• 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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