NomOrigine Background

Last Name Niggli

What is the origin of the last name Niggli?

The surname Niggli is of Swiss origin. It is believed to be a variant of the German surname "Nägeli," which originated from the Middle High German word "nagel," meaning "nail." This surname may have originally been a nickname for someone who was a carpenter or metalworker. Over time, the surname Niggli has evolved and been passed down through generations within Swiss families.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Niggli

The meaning and origin of the last name Niggli

Niggli is a Swiss surname of German origin. It is believed to be derived from the Germanic personal name Nickel, which itself is a diminutive form of Nikolaus, meaning "victory of the people." The suffix -li is a common Swiss ending used to denote a diminutive or son of relationship. Therefore, Niggli could be interpreted as "son of Nickel" or "descendant of Nikolaus." The surname likely originated in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland and has been found predominantly in the canton of Appenzell. Over time, variations of the surname may have emerged due to dialectal differences or spelling changes. Today, individuals with the surname Niggli can be found not only in Switzerland but also in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with Swiss immigrant populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Niggli

The last name Niggli is most commonly found in Switzerland, specifically in the canton of Zurich where it originated. The name is of Swiss-German origin and is believed to be derived from the word "nigal," meaning black or dark. While it is a relatively rare surname, there are also populations of Nigglis in neighboring countries such as Germany and Austria. The Niggli family name may also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe and the United States, typically as a result of migration or immigration. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Niggli is primarily centered in Switzerland, with smaller pockets of the name present in surrounding regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Niggli

The last name Niggli may have several variations and spellings due to linguistic differences and historical changes. Some possible variations include Nigglie, Nigley, Niggley, Nigeli, and Nigley. These variations may stem from different branches of the family tree or regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions. Additionally, the last name Niggli could have undergone modifications over time as individuals migrated to different countries or as surnames were anglicized for easier pronunciation. The various spellings and variations of Niggli serve as a reminder of the rich diversity and complexity of family names and their evolution over time.

Famous people with the last name Niggli

One famous person with the last name Niggli is Emil Niggli, a Swiss publisher and author known for his books on the topics of health, diet, and nutrition. His work has been influential in promoting a holistic approach to wellness and has inspired many to adopt healthier lifestyles. Another well-known individual with the last name Niggli is Ursula Niggli, a renowned Swiss chemist who made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry. Her research and discoveries have advanced our understanding of chemical compounds and reactions, earning her international recognition and awards. The Niggli name is associated with expertise and innovation in various fields, leaving a lasting impact on those who encounter their work.

Genealogical research on the last name Niggli

The surname Niggli is of Swiss origin, with roots in the canton of Glarus. The name is believed to be derived from the Germanic personal name Niklaus, which means "victory of the people." The Niggli family can be traced back to the early 16th century in Switzerland, where they were prominent landowners and farmers. Over the centuries, the Niggli name spread to other regions of Switzerland and eventually to other countries as well. Today, there are Niggli families found in various parts of Europe and North America, with some branches of the family achieving notable success in areas such as academia, business, and the arts. The genealogical research on the Niggli surname continues to uncover new connections and provide insight into the family's rich history and heritage.

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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Nigade (Last name)

surnames > nigade

The last name Nigade is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Marathi word "nighade," which means a strip of land or a piece of narrow land or a road. The surname Nigade is most...

Nigane (Last name)

surnames > nigane

The last name "Nigane" is of Indian origin and is derived from the Marathi word meaning "lead" or "front." It is commonly found in the state of Maharashtra in India.

Nigar (Last name)

surnames > nigar

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Nigastv (Last name)

surnames > nigastv

The last name "nigastv" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English.

Nigbur (Last name)

surnames > nigbur

The surname Nigbur is of German origin and is derived from the given name Niklas or Nicholas. It is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means "victory of the people."

Nigeria (Last name)

surnames > nigeria

The last name "Nigeria" is most likely derived from the country of Nigeria in West Africa. It is possible that individuals with this last name have ancestry or connections to the c...

Nigest (Last name)

surnames > nigest

The surname "Nigest" is of Ethiopian origin. It is derived from the Amharic word "nigist," which means "queen" or "royalty." It is believed to have been used as an honorific title ...

Nigetu (Last name)

surnames > nigetu

The last name "Nigetu" likely has its origin in Japan. It may be a Japanese surname derived from a place name or a word with a specific meaning.

Niggemann (Last name)

surnames > niggemann

The last name "Niggemann" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "nig(ele)" which means "hedgehog" and the suffix "-mann" which denotes a male or man. ...

Nigha (Last name)

surnames > nigha

The last name "Nigha" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning. It is possible that it could be a variant spelling or anglicized version of a surname from another langua...

Nigham (Last name)

surnames > nigham

The last name "Nigham" has an English origin. It is believed to be derived from a place name, possibly referring to a location or settlement in England. The exact meaning and histo...

Nightangle (Last name)

surnames > nightangle

The surname Nightingale is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "nihtegale," meaning "nightingale," which refers to the bird known for its beautiful song. The...

Nigina (Last name)

surnames > nigina

The last name "Nigina" originates from the Persian language, specifically from the word "نیگینا" (nigina), which means "precious" or "beautiful." This suggests that the last ...

Nigiste (Last name)

surnames > nigiste

The last name "Nigiste" originates from Ethiopia. It is a traditionally Amharic female given name, meaning "queen" or "ruler" in Amharic.

Nignol (Last name)

surnames > nignol

The last name "Nignol" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning. It is possible that the name is a variant or misspelling of a more common surname. Without further informa...