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Last Name Feil

What is the origin of the last name Feil?

The origin of the surname Feil can be traced back to several European countries, with various possible origins depending on the specific region. In Germany, the name Feil is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "veile" or "vel," meaning "wool" or "cloth." It was likely used as a surname for someone who worked in the wool trade or who made cloth. In Poland, Feil can be derived from the Slavic personal name Fiedor (meaning "peaceful ruler") or Feliks (meaning "happy" or "lucky"). The surname could have been formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-ek" to these names. In Scandinavian countries, Feil is a variation of the Old Norse personal name Fjölur (meaning "counselor" or "advisor"). As with many surnames, it may have originated as a nickname for someone who was wise or advised others in their community. In all cases, the surname Feil likely developed from a personal name and became hereditary over time.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Feil

The meaning and origin of the last name Feil

The surname Feil is of German origin, derived from various places named Feil or Fayl in Germany, such as Feilnbach, Feilitzsch, and Feilhaas. It may also be derived from the medieval Germanic personal name "Feilo" or "Fiel", which means "peaceful" or "happy." The name was likely originally a nickname for someone who was peaceful or happy, or it could have been a habitational surname for someone who lived near one of the towns with that name. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations including Fayle, Fail, and Feille also found in different regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Feil

The last name Feil exhibits a predominantly German origin, with a significant concentration within Germany itself, particularly in the regions of Bavaria and Westphalia. Additionally, it is common in areas with large German-speaking populations, such as Austria and Switzerland. In North America, the distribution of the surname Feil is noticeable in countries like the United States and Canada, especially among immigrants from Germany or those of German descent. The last name also appears in other European countries such as Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands due to historical migration patterns. Beyond Europe and North America, there are also sparse occurrences of the surname Feil in South Africa and Australia, likely as a result of 19th-century emigration. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Feil reflects historical German migration patterns and cultural dispersal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Feil

The surname Feil can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include Fiel, Fielder, Feiler, Fel, and Vel. These variations may arise from errors during migration records, changes in pronunciation, or regional dialects. Additionally, some individuals with the last name Feil may have slightly different spellings due to personal preferences or family traditions. It's important to note that while these variations exist, they all stem from the original German surname "Feil," which is derived from the Old High German word "fehlen" meaning "to fail" or "to lack."

Famous people with the last name Feil

Notable individuals with the surname Feil include:

1. Lila Feil (born 1936), an American mathematician and author who has made contributions to geometry, topology, and mathematical logic. She is best known for her work on algebraic topology, particularly on cellular homology.

2. Scott Feil (born 1978), an American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "CSI: Miami," "NCIS," and "Criminal Minds." He is also a voice actor, providing voices for various animated series such as "Family Guy" and "The Simpsons."

3. Richard Feil (1947-2015), an American entrepreneur who founded the company FEI Company, which specialized in electron microscopes and related equipment for research. He was also a philanthropist and supporter of various educational institutions.

4. Thomas Feil (born 1963), a German mathematician known for his work in algebraic geometry and mathematical logic. He has made contributions to the theory of moduli spaces, birational geometry, and arithmetic geometry.

5. Mara Feil (born 1978), an American author and playwright who has written several novels, including "The Unexpected Everything" and "I'm with You." Her work often explores themes of love, loss, and identity.

Genealogical research on the last name Feil

The surname Feil originates from Germany and is derived from various place names, notably Fehl or Vehle in the Rhineland region. Early records show that the name was borne by residents of these locales as early as the 13th century. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Johann de Vehele, who lived in the late 1200s. The name spread throughout Germany and neighboring regions over time due to migration and settlement. Notable Feil descendants include Friedrich Wilhelm von Feil (1759-1834), a Prussian army officer, and Otto Feil (1900-1972), a German film director. The name also has presence in the United States, with early immigrants settling primarily in Pennsylvania during the 18th century. Today, Feils can be found in various countries, most notably Germany, the United States, and Canada.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

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