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Last Name Pohl

What is the origin of the last name Pohl?

The surname "Pohl" has German origins. It is derived from the Middle High German word "pol," which means "pole" or "stake." The name likely originated as an occupational surname, referring to someone who made or worked with poles or stakes, such as a fence maker or carpenter. It could also have been a locational surname, indicating that the bearer lived near a specific landmark or boundary marked by poles or stakes. Over time, the surname "Pohl" spread beyond Germany and can now be found in various countries around the world.

origin of the last name Pohl

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pohl

The meaning and origin of the last name Pohl

The surname Pohl has German origins and is derived from the Middle High German word "pol," meaning "pool" or "puddle." It is occupational in nature and likely originated as a nickname for individuals who worked as pool or pond diggers, or perhaps it was given to those who lived near or had a connection to bodies of water such as ponds or pools. The surname Pohl can also be a variant of the name Poll, which originated as a short form of the given name Apollonius, derived from the Greek god Apollo. The name may have been given to individuals who exhibited qualities associated with Apollo, such as beauty, light, or musical talent. Over time, variations of the Pohl surname emerged, including Pol, Poll, Polle, or Pohle, indicating different geographical locations or dialectal changes as the name migrated across regions. Today, Pohl is a relatively common surname in Germany and has spread to other parts of the world due to immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pohl

The last name Pohl has a relatively wide geographical distribution, with its origins primarily traced back to Germany and Austria. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the states of Saxony, Bavaria, and Thuringia, where Pohl is one of the more common surnames. The name is also found in significant numbers in Switzerland, particularly in the German-speaking regions. Apart from German-speaking countries, there are notable populations of individuals with the surname Pohl in the United States, Canada, and Australia, indicating migration patterns and the spread of the name beyond its origins. This can be attributed to historical events such as emigration from Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries, where many individuals with the last name Pohl sought opportunities and a new life in these countries. Today, the geographical distribution of the last name Pohl reflects its historical roots in Germany and Austria, as well as the influence of migration across continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pohl

The last name Pohl has several variations and spellings, reflecting the complexities of surname evolution and regional influences. In some instances, the name may be spelled as Pol or Paul, likely due to phonetic or transliteration factors. Other potential variations include Pool, Poole, Pole, Polle, and Poll, resulting from the different pronunciations and spellings that occurred over time. Additionally, regional variations might exist, such as Pohle in Germany or Poel in the Netherlands. The spelling and pronunciation of the surname Pohl might also change depending on immigration and adaptation to other languages, such as Polish or Yiddish. These variations in spelling and pronunciation can make tracing and researching the family history and genealogy of the Pohl surname a challenging yet fascinating endeavor.

Famous people with the last name Pohl

Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth are two famous science fiction writers who have made significant contributions to the genre. Frederik Pohl, born in 1919, was one of the most influential science fiction authors of the 20th century. His works include the acclaimed novel "Gateway" and collaborations such as "The Space Merchants" with C. M. Kornbluth. Pohl also made a name for himself as an influential editor, co-founding the science fiction magazine "Galaxy" and serving as its editor for several years. Additionally, Cyril M. Kornbluth was a prominent science fiction writer from the mid-20th century. Born in 1923, he collaborated with Pohl on several works and produced acclaimed novels like "The Space Merchants" and "The Syndic." Both Pohl and Kornbluth have left a lasting impact on the world of science fiction, with their imaginative storytelling and thought-provoking works captivating readers for generations.

Genealogical research on the last name Pohl

The surname Pohl is of German origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated from the personal name "Polt," which was a diminutive form of either Paul or Nikolaus. The name Pohl may also have been derived from the Middle High German word "pöl(e)" meaning "pool" or "puddle." The earliest documented instances of the name can be found in the 13th century in regions of Germany, such as Bavaria and Saxony. Over time, the Pohl family spread across different parts of Europe, including Poland and Austria. Some Pohl families migrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly settling in states such as New York, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Today, the surname Pohl can be found in various countries around the world, with its bearers being engaged in a wide range of professions and fields.

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