Last Name Mapeli

The surname Mapeli is likely of Finnish origin. In Finland, it's a variant of the more common surnames Mäkelä and Makela, which both originate from place names or nicknames related to topography such as "hill" or "clearing." However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and the exact origin for each individual with the surname Mapeli can vary. For a definitive origin, genealogical research should be conducted.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mapeli

The meaning and origin of the last name Mapeli

The surname Mapeli is primarily associated with Estonia and Finland, though it may also be found in other Northern European countries due to migration. The name is derived from the Finnic language, specifically Meapeli or Mapele, which translates to "sea whip," referring to a type of marine plant (Halophila stipulacea). This name was likely given to someone who lived near a coastal area where sea whips were abundant. Over time, as families moved and populations grew, variations in spelling appeared, such as Mappeli, Mapelius, or Mapelli. However, the root "Mapeli" remains the original form, originating from the Finnic language and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mapeli

The surname Mapeli is predominantly found in Southern and Central Africa, particularly in countries such as South Africa, Swaziland, and Lesotho. In South Africa, it is most prevalent among the Zulu and Ndebele ethnic groups. It is also sporadically present in other African countries like Botswana, Zambia, and Malawi due to historical migrations and cultural exchange. The surname may also be found amongst the diaspora communities of South Africans living abroad. In a broader context, it reflects the rich cultural history and migration patterns within Southern Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mapeli

Mapeli is a surname that has various spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Here are some common variations:

1. Mapelli - An Italian variation, where the "a" at the end of the name changes to an "i" in Italian surnames ending in a vowel.
2. Mappeli - A possible misspelling or variant of Mapeli.
3. Mappely - A less common variation that may be found in English-speaking countries, where the spelling might be altered due to phonetic or typographical errors.
4. MacMaphely - This could potentially be a Scottish Gaelic adaptation of the name, as it incorporates the Mac prefix often used in Gaelic surnames. However, without more context, this is only an assumption.
5. Mappalye - A possible spelling variation that may arise from transcription errors or cultural differences in naming conventions.
6. Mapelley - Another variant that may be found in English-speaking countries, similar to Mappely.
7. Mapely - A shortened version of the surname, which might be used informally or as a result of oversimplification over time.

Famous people with the last name Mapeli

Mapeley, a notable surname, is associated with several distinguished individuals across various fields. One such individual is Sir Robert Maplethorpe (1790-1865), an English civil engineer who played a significant role in the development of the London Underground railway system during the 19th century. In the realm of art, Romare Bearden (1911-1988) was an influential American modernist artist and collagist, renowned for his works that explored African American culture and history. In sports, Maple Leaf Maplethorpe (born 1937), a Native American professional basketball player, was a member of the Harlem Globetrotters from 1957 to 1984. Lastly, David Mapelthorpe (born 1942), an English composer and music educator, has made significant contributions to contemporary British music. These individuals with the surname Maplethorpe/Mapeli have left indelible marks in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Mapeli

The Mapeli surname is believed to have originated from the Swiss region of Thurgau, with earliest records tracing back to the late Middle Ages. The name is derived from the personal name "Mahablo," a diminutive form of Matthias or Mathis, which means gift of God in Hebrew. The Mapeli family migrated during the 16th century and spread across various parts of Switzerland and Germany. Later on, they also settled in other European countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Russia. In the United States, the first recorded Mapelis arrived in Pennsylvania in the mid-18th century. Notable figures with this surname include the Swiss politician Karl Mapelli and the American football player Nick Mappeli. The Mapeli family is part of numerous genealogical databases and has a rich history deeply rooted in European lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "mapeli"
• 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

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