Last Name Jutel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jutel

The meaning and origin of the last name Jutel

The surname Jutel is of Finnish origin, specifically from the region of Savo in Eastern Finland. It is derived from a personal name, Juha or Juho, which is a common given name in Finland and derives from the Old Norse name Guðrøðr. The name Juha was often shortened to Uta in Finnish, and later, the patronymic surname Jutel was formed by adding the suffix -nen or -pää to the abbreviated form of Uta, such as Utanen or Utapää. Over time, these forms evolved into the modern spelling of Jutel. The name is relatively uncommon outside of Finland but can be found among Finnish immigrants and their descendants in other countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jutel

The last name Jutel is predominantly found in Estonia and Finland, with the highest concentrations in these two countries. In Estonia, it is most common in the northern counties such as Ida-Viru, Lääne-Viru, and Harju, which are historically part of the region known as Livonia. In Finland, the name Jutel can be found primarily in the western and southern coastal regions, particularly in the provinces of Ostrobothnia and Satakunta. Outside of Estonia and Finland, the occurrence of the surname Jutel is relatively rare, although it has been reported in other parts of Europe such as Sweden and Russia, likely due to migration from these two main countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jutel

The surname Jutel has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include: Justel, Juhtel, Justoll, Justoil, Juhtole, Juhteel, Justail, Juhstel, Juhtole, and Juustel. These variations may arise from minor errors during migration records, different phonetic interpretations, or regional dialects. It's important to note that these variations can make it challenging to trace family history, but genealogical research tools like ancestry databases and historical documents can help in discovering connections between these different spellings.

Famous people with the last name Jutel

Notable individuals with the surname Jutel include:

1. Tõnu Jutel (born 1978), an Estonian politician who served as the Minister of Finance from 2014 to 2016.
2. Ain Jutel (born 1953), an Estonian artist known for his works in various media, including painting, sculpture, and printmaking.
3. Kristjan Jutel (born 1985), a retired Estonian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, most notably Levadia Tallinn.
4. Mihkel Jutel (born 1967), an Estonian composer and musician who has written music for various films, plays, and television series.
5. Kalle Jutel (1899–1943), an Estonian politician and journalist who served as a member of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) during the interwar period. He was deported by the Soviet authorities in 1940 and later died in a forced labor camp.
6. Mart Jutel (born 1975), an Estonian politician who has served as a member of the Riigikogu since 2015, representing the Center Party. He also served as Minister of Defense from 2016 to 2018.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, art, sports, and music in Estonia.

Genealogical research on the last name Jutel

The surname Jutel is primarily of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse byname "Jótulr," meaning 'giants' or 'giant-like.' The Jutels were among the settlers who came to Iceland during the Viking Age. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Þórólfur jötulfr, a prominent chieftain and landowner in the northern regions of Iceland in the 10th century. The Jutels were also among the first settlers in Greenland, with Erik Jutulsøn, son of Thorstein Jutulsson, being one of the early Norwegian settlers there in the 10th century. In later centuries, members of the family migrated to mainland Europe and Britain. The Jutel lineage is closely connected to other prominent Scandinavian families such as the Håkonarsons and the Björnsons. Notable descendants include Norwegian explorer Leif Erikson, who discovered North America around the year 1000 AD.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jutel"
• 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 : 30 July 2025