Last Name Kriegel

The surname Kriegel is of German origin, derived from various place names with similar names such as Krekel, Kriegel, and Krieweld, all found in different parts of Germany. These names are thought to be derived from words meaning "little war" or "small battlefield," likely referring to a clearing made by warfare or a battle site. As with many surnames, it was a way for people to identify themselves, often based on their place of origin, occupation, or distinctive physical traits.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kriegel

The meaning and origin of the last name Kriegel

The surname Kriegel is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kruegel," which means "little wheel" or "cogwheel." This name may have originally been an occupational name for someone who worked with or made small wheels, or a nickname for someone thought to resemble a cogwheel due to some physical characteristic. Alternatively, it could also be topographical, referring to someone living near a mill or other wheel-powered machinery. The surname has since been adapted and spread across various countries as a result of historical migrations, including to France, where it is spelled Kriegel, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kriegel

The surname Kriegel has a predominant distribution in Central Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, due to its Germanic origins. It is also found in significant numbers in France and Switzerland, reflecting historical migration patterns and linguistic influences. In addition, there are notable Kriegel families in other European countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland. The surname's presence has been traced in some parts of North America, particularly in regions with a high concentration of German and French immigrants, such as the United States and Canada. However, its distribution is relatively less common compared to its prevalence in Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kriegel

The surname Kriegel has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of them:

1. Kriegel - the original German spelling, which means "little battle" or "small war."
2. Kriegel - an alternative spelling of Kriegel, also of German origin.
3. Kreigel - a possible variant with an extra 'e' added, again of German origin.
4. Creggell - a potential anglicized version of the name, possibly originating from Irish immigrants who may have pronounced the "k" as "c" due to differences in pronunciation between German and English.
5. Creaghal/Creghal - additional possible anglicizations of Kriegel, though these may also have Gaelic origins unrelated to the original name.
6. Krygel, Kriygel, Krigel, etc. - variations that might have arisen from phonetic adaptations in other languages or cultures.

Famous people with the last name Kriegel

Notable individuals with the last name Kriegel include:

1. Paul Kriegel (born 1962), an American former professional baseball player who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and Oakland Athletics between 1984 and 1995.

2. Marc Kriegel (born 1967), an American journalist, author, and boxing writer who has written for Esquire, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated, among others. His books include "The Undefeated" and "Heavyweight Champions."

3. Jean-Jacques Kriegel (born 1947), a French politician who served as Minister of the Interior from 1986 to 1988 under President François Mitterrand.

4. Pierre Kriegel (1920–2015), a French mathematician known for his work in combinatorics and graph theory, particularly for the Erdős-Krieger graph.

5. Daniel Kriegel (born 1963), a German composer, conductor, and musicologist who specializes in contemporary music and electronic music. He has been artistic director of several European ensembles.

Genealogical research on the last name Kriegel

The surname Kriegel is of German origin, derived from various place names containing the element "Kriegel," meaning "little war" or "small battleground." Historically, the name was common among settlers who migrated to Germany from areas in present-day Austria and Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). The earliest known reference to the surname dates back to 1370 in the region of Swabia. Notable figures with the surname Kriegel include Johann Georg Kriegel, a notable German painter, and Wilhelmine von Kriegelstein, a member of the Prussian nobility during the 18th century. The name is also found among Jewish families in Europe, particularly those who resided in Germany and Poland before the 20th century. Today, Kriegels can be found across the globe, with significant populations in Germany, the United States, and Israel.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kriegel"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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