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Last Name Ihle

What is the origin of the last name Ihle?

The surname Ihle is of German origin. It is derived from various place names in Germany that share the same root word "Ihl," which means "heath" or "moor." This last name could have been originally an occupational name for someone who lived near a heath or moor, or it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived by such a location. The surname has also been spelled as Ihle, Ehle, and Ahl in different regions and time periods.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ihle

The meaning and origin of the last name Ihle

The surname Ihle is of German origin, derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a small lake or pond. The name is from Middle High German 'ihal' or 'ihal' meaning 'small lake', 'pond', or 'bay'. It may also have origins in Low German 'Ihl' meaning 'elm tree' or 'heather'. The name was often spelled Ehl, Ahl, and Ahle in various historical records. Over time, it has been anglicized to the current form Ihle. This surname is most prevalent in Germany but can also be found among German immigrants in other parts of Europe and North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ihle

The surname Ihle is predominantly of German origin and has dispersed primarily within Germany, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony, where it is most frequently found. Beyond Germany, the name also appears in significant numbers in the United States, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, likely due to migration from Germany during historical periods of emigration such as the 19th century. In the U.S., states with high concentrations of individuals bearing the surname Ihle include North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The name can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world where German immigrants have settled, such as Argentina and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ihle

The surname Ihle, or variants thereof, can be found with several spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of the most common variations:

1. Ihle - Standard English spelling.
2. Ihlé - A variation using an acute accent over the final 'e', which may be used in certain languages such as French or German to indicate pronunciation.
3. Ihlen - Another variant, possibly resulting from a slight change in pronunciation or typographical error.
4. Ihlein - A less common variation, perhaps due to an additional 'e' being added by accident.
5. Ihl - A shortened version, which could potentially occur through informal usage or simplification over time.

Famous people with the last name Ihle

Notable individuals with the surname Ihle include:

1. Gus Ihle (1924-2013), an American football coach and athlete who played as a defensive back for the Green Bay Packers. He later coached college football at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, and at the University of Michigan.

2. James Ihle (born 1948), an American author who is best known for his books "The Sparrow" and its sequel "Children of God." His works often explore themes of faith, ethics, and spirituality.

3. Hans Ihle (1896-1975), a Norwegian ski jumper who won the gold medal in the large hill individual event at the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France. He was the first ever Norwegian Olympic champion in ski jumping.

4. Jens Ihle (born 1968), a Danish sailor and Olympic medalist. He won a bronze medal in the Star class at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, alongside his crew Anders Hoj-Sørensen.

Genealogical research on the last name Ihle

The surname Ihle originates from Germany, specifically in the region of Westphalia, where it is believed to have been derived from various place names or occupations with the meaning "island" or "peninsula." Early records show that the name was spelled as Ihle, Hiele, Heil, and Hiell in the 13th century. Several notable figures bearing the name Ihle emerged throughout history. For instance, Johannes Ihle (1628-1679), a prominent lawyer and politician in Denmark. The Ihle family migrated to the United States during the 1800s, with notable settlements in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, and Iowa. Notably, German immigrants bearing the name Ihle contributed to the development of the Midwest region of the U.S., particularly in agriculture and commerce.

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 : 27 July 2025

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