Last Name Kanel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kanel

The meaning and origin of the last name Kanel

The surname Kanel is of Greek origin and derives from the word "kanelos," which means "tube-shaped" or "reed." This name may have originally referred to someone who resembled a reed, perhaps due to physical characteristics such as thinness or flexibility, or it could have been a metaphorical reference to a person with similar qualities. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved in various languages and regions. For instance, variations include Kanellos, Kanelis, and Cannel in Greek, Italian, and French respectively. In some Slavic countries, it is also known as Kaněl or Kanél. Today, the surname Kanel can be found among communities with a historical connection to Greece, as well as other parts of Europe and beyond.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kanel

The surname Kanel has its origins rooted primarily in Eastern Europe, notably among various Slavic populations such as Belarusians, Russians, and Ukrainians. A significant number of individuals bearing this name can also be found in Lithuania and Poland, reflecting historical migrations and cultural exchanges within the region. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in other parts of Europe, particularly in Latvia, Estonia, and the Czech Republic, suggesting a dispersal across Eastern and Northern Europe. While the presence of Kanel is less prominent elsewhere, there are isolated cases in countries like France, Germany, and the United States, possibly due to immigration from Eastern Europe during the 20th century. The exact distribution of this surname continues to evolve as migration patterns change over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kanel

The surname Kanel has multiple variations and spellings across different countries and regions due to linguistic evolutions and transcription errors over time. Some common spelling variants include: Kanell, Kannel, Kaanul, Kanuł, Kaanël, Kaanell, Kaanele, Kaaneel, Kaneel, Caneel, Kainell, and Canell. These variations can be found among populations in countries like the United States, Canada, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, and other regions with historical Finnic or Baltic influences. It is important to note that surnames often have regional dialectal differences, leading to additional spellings within a single country or region.

Famous people with the last name Kanel

The Kanele family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Norman Kanele, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who co-founded the software company Borland Corporation. Another significant figure is Rok Kanel, a Slovenian actor known for his roles in films like "Underground" and "Time of the Gypsies". In the world of music, there is Ariel Kanele, a successful Israeli singer-songwriter who has released multiple albums and toured internationally. Lastly, Yves Kanel, a Swiss economist, is renowned for his work in macroeconomics and central banking, having served as the Governor of the Banque de France from 2015 to 2020. These individuals reflect the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Kanele family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Kanel

The surname Kanel, originating from various Eastern European countries, is primarily associated with Jewish and Lithuanian heritage. Its variant forms include Kanell, Kanelis, or Kanele, indicating a potential Slavic or Baltic influence.

Historical records show the earliest known occurrence of the name in Lithuania during the 16th century, with notable figures such as Eliezer ben Yitzchak Kanel (1783-1810), a prominent Talmud scholar and author, hailing from this region.

The name is also found among Jewish communities in Poland, Russia, and Ukraine during the same period, suggesting possible migration or assimilation. In the 19th century, a significant number of individuals with the surname Kanel immigrated to the United States, particularly New York City, where they established thriving communities.

Today, the Kanel family name can be found worldwide, with notable descendants in various fields, including science, business, and politics, testifying to the family's resilience and adaptability over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kanel"
• 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 : 14 June 2025