Last Name Giehl

The last name Giehl is of German origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Gailo", which is a short form of the various compound names with the first element "Gag-", meaning "spear". Over time, the name Giehl became a surname used by individuals and families in Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Giehl

The meaning and origin of the last name Giehl

The surname Giehl is of German origin and is derived from the personal name Gill or Giles, which is of Old Norse and Old English origin. The name is believed to have originally been a nickname for a cheerful or jovial person, as "Gill" or "Giles" was a popular given name in medieval times. Over time, the name was passed down from generation to generation and eventually evolved into a hereditary surname. The variations of the surname Giehl can also be found in other German-speaking areas such as Austria and Switzerland. Today, individuals with the surname Giehl can be found throughout the world, particularly in countries with significant German immigrant populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Giehl

The last name Giehl is primarily found in Germany, with the highest concentrations in the Bavaria region. It is a relatively rare surname, with fewer than 1,000 individuals bearing the name in the country. Outside of Germany, the surname Giehl can also be found in the United States, particularly in states with large German immigrant populations such as Pennsylvania and Ohio. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the surname Giehl in Brazil, where German immigrants settled in the southern region of the country. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Giehl is limited to a few countries with historical ties to Germany, reflecting the familial origins of those who bear the name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Giehl

The last name Giehl can be spelled and found in various ways due to the different phonetic interpretations and regional variations. Some common variants of Giehl include Geil, Geihl, Giel, Gielh, Giehle, and Giehler. These variations may stem from historical changes in language, dialectal differences, or simply errors in recording the surname over time. In some cases, Giehl may also be anglicized to Gile or Gyle. The surname Giehl is of German origin and likely derives from the word "giehle," meaning "to stick" or "to adhere." Despite the different spellings and variations, individuals with the last name Giehl often share a common ancestry and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Giehl

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Giehl is John Giehl, an American soccer player who played as a forward for several Major League Soccer teams. Another notable figure is Michael Giehl, a German painter known for his abstract expressionist works. In the world of science, Dr. Linda Giehl is a prominent researcher in the field of microbiology, particularly known for her contributions to understanding microbial diversity in natural environments. Lastly, Jane Giehl is a well-known fashion designer who has showcased her collections at various international events and fashion weeks. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, gaining recognition and acclaim for their talents and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Giehl

According to genealogical research, the last name Giehl is of German origin and is believed to derive from the given name "Giebhardt," which means "brave" or "strong" in ancient Germanic languages. The surname Giehl is thought to have originated in the region of Bavaria, Germany, and dates back to the medieval era. The Giehl family is likely to have been of noble or aristocratic descent, with records showing individuals bearing the name holding prominent positions in society, such as landowners, merchants, or government officials. Over the centuries, various branches of the Giehl family may have spread to different parts of Germany and other countries, leading to a diverse and widespread lineage. Today, descendants of the Giehl family can be found across Europe and the United States, continuing to uphold their ancestral legacy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Giehl"
• 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

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