Last Name Frankel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Frankel

The meaning and origin of the last name Frankel

The surname Frankel is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, derived from the personal name "Frankel" which means "little Frank." It is a patronymic form of the given name Frank, which in turn originates from the Old High German name "Franco." The name "Franco" was an ethnic name for the Franks, a confederation of West Germanic tribes that played a significant role in the early Middle Ages. The Franks were highly respected in medieval Europe, which led to their name being adopted as a personal name. As a surname, Frankel is commonly found among Jewish communities, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Many Jewish surnames were acquired during the period when Jews were required to adopt surnames in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The name Frankel signifies the descendants of individuals named Frank or those associated with the esteemed Franks.

Geographical distribution of the last name Frankel

The last name Frankel has a varied geographical distribution, with significant concentrations in different regions of the world. In the United States, Frankel is a common Jewish surname, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews who emigrated from Eastern Europe. Cities with a large Jewish population, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, have higher concentrations of individuals with the last name Frankel. Similarly, in Israel, where a large Jewish population resides, the surname Frankel is also relatively common.

Outside of the United States and Israel, the surname Frankel can also be found in countries with historical Jewish communities or areas with Jewish migration. European countries like Germany, Austria, and Poland have notable numbers of individuals with the name Frankel, reflecting the Jewish presence in these regions. Additionally, countries like Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa, which have witnessed significant Jewish immigration, also have some individuals bearing the Frankel surname. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Frankel reflects its Jewish roots and migratory patterns of Jewish populations throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Frankel

The last name Frankel, derived from the Hebrew personal name "Frankel," has various spellings and variations. One common variant is "Franckel," which maintains the same pronunciation but alters the spelling. Another alternative is the spelling "Franckle," which incorporates the same phonetics but in a slightly different arrangement. Additionally, some individuals with this surname may opt for the variation "Frankl." This version drops the final "e" but retains the same core sound. Other possible variations include "Fränkel," which emphasizes the umlaut and is commonly found among German speakers, as well as "Franco," which may have Italian or Spanish origins. While these variations may have slightly distinct pronunciations or connote different cultural backgrounds, they ultimately stem from the same root, representing a diverse and inclusive lineage that has Journeyed across various regions throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Frankel

There are several notable individuals with the last name Frankel who have made significant contributions in various fields. One of the most prominent figures is Jill Frankel, an American journalist and producer, known for her work in television news. Another well-known personality is Bethenny Frankel, a successful entrepreneur, author, and reality television star. Bethenny gained widespread recognition as one of the original cast members of Bravo TV's "The Real Housewives of New York City" and subsequently launched her own highly successful brand, Skinnygirl. In the field of sports, Joseph Frankel stands out as a renowned American fencer who competed in the 1932 Olympic Games. He earned recognition for his impressive skills and achievements in the world of fencing. These individuals, among others, have left a lasting impact in their respective fields and continue to be recognized and celebrated for their contributions.

Genealogical research on the last name Frankel

The last name Frankel has deep roots and is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. This surname is derived from the Hebrew personal name "Frankel" or "Frenkel," meaning "happy" or "joyful," which was commonly given to children born on a Friday. The earliest recorded instances of the Frankel surname can be traced back to Eastern Europe, particularly in regions such as Poland, Germany, and Russia. Many Jewish families bearing this name dispersed throughout the world due to historical events, such as the pogroms in Eastern Europe and the Holocaust. As a result, the Frankel name can now be found in various countries across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Israel, and Argentina, among others. Today, individuals with the Frankel last name continue to honor their heritage and forge their own unique family stories, contributing to diverse communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Frankel"
• 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 : 11 April 2025