Last Name Gobel

The last name Gobel has multiple possible origins. It is a German and French surname with different roots. 1. In Germany, Gobel could be an occupational name for a maker or dealer of tapestries, derived from the Middle High German word "gobele," meaning a type of woven fabric. This was also used as a nickname for someone who had such items in their possessions. 2. In France, Gobel is a habitational name originating from any one of several places named Goubeaux or Goubel, found mainly in the regions of Berry and Auvergne. These names are derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name "Gobalius," which comes from the Celtic element "goballo," meaning "yew tree."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gobel

The meaning and origin of the last name Gobel

The surname Gobel is of French origin, derived from various place names in northern France. In Old French, "gobe" means "hump" or "mound," and these toponyms were named for physical features such as hills or mounds. It's also possible that the name was occupational, referring to someone who lived near such a geographical feature or worked in a related field, like construction or agriculture.

The earliest record of the name Gobel appears in France during the Middle Ages. The family spread across Europe during the Great Migration period (16th-17th centuries), with many Gobels settling in Germany and Switzerland. The name later immigrated to North America, primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, as European settlers sought new opportunities in the New World. Today, the Gobel surname can be found in numerous countries, particularly the United States, France, Germany, Belgium, and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gobel

The surname Gobel is predominantly distributed across Europe, particularly in Germany, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. In Germany, it is most frequent in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions. In France, the highest concentrations are found in Alsace, Lorraine, and Grand Est. The name also appears with some frequency in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium, and in Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg. Additionally, smaller numbers of Gobel families can be found in other European countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. Beyond Europe, there are pockets of Gobel families in North America, particularly in the United States, where the name is most common in Pennsylvania and Michigan due to German immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gobel

The surname Gobel has several variants and spellings. These include: Goebel, Göbel (German), Goebell, Goeblin, Göbelin, and Gobeil (French). Other possible variations may result from phonetic or orthographic changes over time, such as Goubault, Gabele, Kobal, or Cobell. Additionally, it is important to note that the name can also have different meanings and origins depending on the region. For example, in Germanic languages, Goebel could be derived from "göpello" meaning "to shout for joy," while Gobeil may originate from a place-name or topographical feature. It is always advisable to consult historical records and genealogical sources when researching the origins and variations of surnames.

Famous people with the last name Gobel

The Gobel surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Maximilien Lucien Gobel (1849-1930), a French-born American impressionist painter, best known for his landscapes and still lifes. Another significant figure is Jean-Baptiste Gobel (1764-1825), a French architect who designed the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile in Paris. In the field of business, Friedrich Gobel (1904-1983) was a German entrepreneur and politician who founded the Gobel frères textile company, which became a significant player in the German textile industry. Lastly, Karl-Heinz Gobel (born 1945), a former West German slalom canoeist, won two Olympic gold medals in the early 1970s. These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments and impact of those bearing the Gobel surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Gobel

The surname Gobel is primarily of French origin and derives from the Old High German "gabala," meaning "staff" or "rod." In the late Middle Ages, it was a common occupational name for someone who made or sold staffs. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have varied, with Gobel being one of many forms. The family is thought to have originated in the Picardy region of France but migrated extensively during the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period due to religious conflicts and economic factors. Significant Gobel lineages were found in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, where they became prominent figures in various fields such as military service, trade, and politics. The family tree also includes notable immigrants to the United States and Canada. Notable individuals with the surname include the German composer Johann Adam Hiller-Gobel and American painter William Halsey Gobel.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gobel"
• 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 June 2025

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