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Last Name Mengele

What is the origin of the last name Mengele?

The last name "Mengele" is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name "Mangel", which is a short form of the name "Engelbert", meaning "bright angel" in Old German. The name "Mengele" may have originated as a patronymic surname, referring to a person who was the son of someone named Mangel or related to someone with that name. It is most famously associated with Josef Mengele, a Nazi physician and SS officer who conducted horrific experiments on prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Josef Mengele was known as the "Angel of Death" for his involvement in these atrocities.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Mengele

The meaning and origin of the last name Mengele

The surname Mengele is of German origin, derived from the medieval Germanic name "Mengel" which means "hammer." The name was likely originally given to someone who was a blacksmith or metalworker, or possibly someone who had a strong and forceful personality. The surname likely originated in the southern regions of Germany, where Germanic tribes and clans settled and adopted surnames during the Middle Ages. One notable individual with the surname Mengele was Josef Mengele, a German SS officer and physician who gained infamy for his role in conducting human experiments on prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. His actions are considered horrific and unethical, and have tainted the reputation of the Mengele surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mengele

The last name Mengele has a relatively low prevalence in terms of geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in Germany, where it originated. In addition, there are smaller concentrations of individuals with the last name Mengele in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. Beyond Europe, there are few individuals with the last name Mengele, with some scattered in the United States and South America. The name gained notoriety due to the association with Josef Mengele, a German Schutzstaffel officer and physician who conducted inhumane experiments on prisoners at Auschwitz during World War II. As a result, individuals with the last name Mengele may face societal stigma and scrutiny due to the actions of their infamous namesake.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mengele

The last name Mengele has a few variations and spellings, including Mengel, Mengeler, Mengelles, Mengela, and Mengelh. The name may also be spelled with an umlaut over the 'e' as Mängle, Mängeler, or Mängel. In some cases, it may be spelled with an additional 'e' at the end as Mengelee. Additionally, there are variations that include a double 'g' such as Menggele or Menggeles. These variations can be attributed to different regional pronunciations or dialects of the German language. Overall, while the last name Mengele may have different spellings and variations, they all trace back to a common German origin and typically carry the same meaning and historical background.

Famous people with the last name Mengele

Josef Mengele was a notorious German physician and SS officer who conducted heinous experiments on prisoners at Auschwitz during the Holocaust. His cruel and inhumane actions earned him the moniker "Angel of Death." His experiments included surgeries without anesthesia, forced sterilizations, and injections of lethal chemicals. Mengele's sadistic nature and lack of empathy for his victims made him one of the most reviled figures of the Holocaust. Despite being hunted by authorities for years, he managed to evade capture and lived a life in hiding until his death in 1979. The name Mengele became synonymous with cruelty and evil, forever tainted by the atrocities committed by Josef Mengele during his time at Auschwitz.

Genealogical research on the last name Mengele

The surname Mengele is of German origin and is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "mengel," meaning "a blemish or defect." The Mengele family can be traced back to the 17th century in Germany, specifically in the region of Bavaria. One prominent figure with the surname Mengele is the infamous Josef Mengele, a Nazi physician known for his inhumane experiments on prisoners at Auschwitz during World War II. However, not all individuals with the last name Mengele are linked to this dark chapter in history. Today, the Mengele surname can be found in various parts of the world, with descendants likely spread across Europe and beyond. Genealogical research may uncover connections to other families or provide insight into the diverse paths taken by different branches of the Mengele family over the centuries.

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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 : 11 April 2025

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