Last Name Miel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Miel

The meaning and origin of the last name Miel

The surname Miel is of French and Dutch origin, derived from the Old French word "miele" or the Middle Dutch word "mele", both meaning 'honey'. It is an occupational name for a beekeeper or a metonymic occupational name for someone who sold honey. In some cases, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where honey was produced, such as an area with beehives. The surname Miel can be found in various forms in different countries, including Meile, Meyle, and Meyl in Germany, and Meyer in other Germanic-speaking regions. It is also spelled as Miel in French and Dutch contexts.

Geographical distribution of the last name Miel

The surname Miel has its origins primarily in Finland and Estonia, with significant concentrations observed within these countries. In Finland, it is most prevalent in the western regions, including the provinces of Ostrobothnia, Tavastia Proper, and Satakunta, as well as the capital Helsinki. In Estonia, it is frequently found in Harju County, specifically in the cities of Tallinn and Keila. Beyond these countries, smaller populations can be traced in other parts of Europe, North America, South America, and Australia, primarily among Finnish and Estonian diaspora communities. The distribution of the Miel surname reflects historical migration patterns from Finland and Estonia to other regions over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Miel

The surname Miel, derived from the Old French word for "honey," has several variations and spelling differences across different regions and countries. Some of these variations include: Myl, Mil, Meil, Mielz, Meyl, Meyle, and Miele. These variations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or intentional changes by individuals or families seeking to distinguish themselves. It's worth noting that some of these variants may be more common in certain countries or regions than others, with Miel being predominant in French-speaking areas and its various modifications found in other European countries and among individuals of European descent elsewhere.

Famous people with the last name Miel

Notable individuals with the surname Miel include:

1. Eero Saarinen (adopted the surname Miel after emigration to the United States), a Finnish-American architect and industrial designer, best known for his contributions to mid-century modern architecture, including the TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

2. Jorma Mieles, a Finnish politician who served as the Minister of Defense from 2015 to 2019.

3. Jukka-Pekka Mielonen, a Finnish musician and songwriter who is the lead singer, keyboardist, and main composer for the folk metal band Korpiklaani.

4. Mikko Mielonen, a Finnish scientist and researcher known for his work in the field of computer graphics, particularly in the development of real-time rendering techniques.

5. Veikko Mielonen, a Finnish wrestler who competed in the freestyle middleweight event at the 1924 Summer Olympics.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as architecture, politics, music, and science, showcasing the versatility of the Miel surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Miel

The Miel surname is primarily of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German "meil," meaning "measure" or "mile." Early records show that the name was brought to various European countries during the medieval migrations. In Germany, the family resided in areas such as Silesia and Swabia. Some early notable bearers include Conrad Miel, a knight from the Swabian town of Nördlingen in the 14th century, and Hans Miel, a burgher of the city of Augsburg in the 15th century.

The Miel family migrated to Scandinavia during the late Middle Ages, where they became prominent members of the Swedish nobility. In Finland, the name was recorded among the early settlers and landowners in the provinces of Tavastia and Karelia.

The Miel surname also appeared in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of Overijssel, and in France, where it is most commonly found in Alsace-Lorraine. In North America, the earliest Miels were primarily Dutch immigrants who settled in New York and Pennsylvania in the 17th century, later spreading to other parts of the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Miel"
• 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 : 24 July 2025