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Last Name Fiegel

What is the origin of the last name Fiegel?

The surname Fiegel is of German origin. It is believed to be derived from the personal name Vigil, which was a Latin name meaning "watchful" or "alert." Over time, the name evolved into Fiegel and became a surname used by families in Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fiegel

The meaning and origin of the last name Fiegel

The surname Fiegel is of German origin and is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "vogel," meaning bird. In medieval times, surnames were often based on occupations or characteristics, so it is possible that the surname Fiegel was given to someone who liked birds or possibly worked as a birdcatcher or bird dealer. Another theory is that the surname could be a variant of the name Vogel, which was a common German surname meaning bird. The name Fiegel may have originated in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in what is now modern-day Germany. Over time, variations of the surname Fiegel may have developed as families migrated and settled in different regions, leading to slight differences in spelling or pronunciation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fiegel

The last name Fiegel appears to be relatively uncommon, with a specific geographical distribution primarily found in the United States. Records show that there are individuals with the last name Fiegel residing in various states across the country, including California, New York, Texas, and Georgia. There is also a noticeable presence of individuals with the last name Fiegel in Germany, suggesting possible origins or connections to the country. The surname Fiegel may have originated from Germanic or Jewish roots, which could explain its prevalence in both the United States and Germany. Overall, while the last name Fiegel may not be widespread, it is evident that there are individuals with this surname living in diverse locations around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fiegel

The last name Fiegel can be spelled in various ways including Fiegl, Feigel, Feigl, Fiegle, Fegel, and Figel. These different variations of the surname may have originated from different regions or may have evolved over time through different spellings. The name Fiegel is of German origin and is likely derived from the German word "vogel," meaning bird. Over the years, as families migrated and languages evolved, the spelling of the surname may have been altered to fit the phonetic pronunciation in different regions. Despite the various spellings, the name Fiegel remains a relatively uncommon surname, with each spelling variant representing a different branch of the same family tree.

Famous people with the last name Fiegel

There are no famous individuals with the last name Fiegel, but there is a fictional character who goes by the name of Popeye the Sailor man, whose real name is Elzie Crisler Segar. Fiegel was a childhood friend of Segar and it is believed that he served as the inspiration for the character of Popeye. Fiegel was known for his tough and resilient nature, which mirrored the characteristics of the beloved cartoon character. Despite not being a well-known public figure, Fiegel's legacy lives on through the iconic creation of Popeye, who has been featured in comics, television shows, and movies for decades. Popeye's catchphrase "I yam what I yam" has become synonymous with standing up for oneself and facing challenges head-on, much like Fiegel himself.

Genealogical research on the last name Fiegel

The surname Fiegel is of German origin and is believed to be derived from the German word "vogel," meaning bird. The Fiegel family is said to have originated in the region of Bavaria, Germany, and later spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to North America. The name may have been used to describe someone who resembled a bird in some way, such as having a bird-like appearance or being a skilled bird catcher. Genealogical research on the Fiegel surname shows that individuals bearing this last name can be found in various historical records, including census data, immigration records, and birth and death certificates. Today, individuals with the last name Fiegel can be found across the United States and other parts of the world, continuing the legacy of this ancient German surname.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 11 April 2025

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