Last Name Goebel

The surname Goebel is of German origin. It is derived from a given name, either Gottfried, Gottleib, or Gebhard, which mean "God's peace" or "God's warrior." Over time, these names were often shortened and used as surnames. The spelling variations in the surname Goebel can be attributed to differences in transcription, translation, and migration patterns over the centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Goebel

The meaning and origin of the last name Goebel

The surname Goebel is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "Goebe" which means "raven." It is an occupational name for someone who was a ravener or a gamekeeper, as ravens were often used to indicate the presence of game in forests. Over time, the spelling evolved into Goebel, a common surname among German speakers, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse regions. The name has been carried across continents by German immigrants, becoming prevalent in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Notably, Ernst Moritz Goebe (1816–1888) was a prominent German historian, archaeologist, and philologist who made significant contributions to the field of Indo-European studies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goebel

The surname Goebel is primarily of German origin and has its highest frequency in that country, particularly in the western regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Hesse. It also has significant distribution in the United States, with high concentrations in states like Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. This is likely due to German immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition, there are notable populations of Goebels in Canada, specifically in Ontario and British Columbia, again reflecting German immigration patterns. Small numbers can also be found in other parts of Europe, such as Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, as well as in Australia, South Africa, and Brazil, where German immigrants have settled over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goebel

The surname Goebel has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Goebel, Göbel, Gebel, Geibel, Geibl, and Geibelt. These variations may stem from regional dialects, historical spellings, or errors in record keeping. In some cases, the name might have been intentionally altered by immigrants to make it easier for others to pronounce or understand. The root of the name is likely derived from Middle High German "gebel" meaning "mountain slope," and it has been recorded in Germany since at least the 13th century. It was brought to America primarily by German-speaking immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Famous people with the last name Goebel

Notable individuals with the surname Goebel include:

1. Karl Goebel (1818-1894), a German-American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from New York. He was also a delegate to the constitutional convention of 1867, and subsequently served in the New York State Senate.

2. Henry Goebel (1835-1904), an American botanist who served as the first professor of botany at the University of Michigan. He is credited with the discovery of several new plant species and wrote extensively on the flora of the Great Lakes region.

3. Adolf Goebel (1865-1924), an American attorney, politician, and businessman who served as a U.S. Representative from New York. He was also a member of the New York State Assembly and a prominent figure in the Democratic Party.

4. Paul Goebel (born 1948), an American artist known for his sculptures and paintings. His works are held in numerous museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

5. Tim Goebel (born 1967), a retired American figure skater who won two Olympic medals: a gold medal in the team event at the 1988 Winter Olympics and a silver medal in the men's singles event at the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Genealogical research on the last name Goebel

The surname Goebel originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German word "gowe," meaning "god" or "good," and "bal," meaning "dwelling." It's believed that early bearers of this name lived in a house considered to be particularly good or divine.

The Goebels are thought to have migrated from Germany to various parts of Europe, including France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, during the Middle Ages. Some Goebel families also emigrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a significant number settling in Pennsylvania due to German-speaking Quaker communities already established there. Notable figures with the surname Goebel include Karl Goebel, a German chemist who made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry, and Mattie Goebel, an American figure skater who won three Olympic medals.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Goebel"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends