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Last Name Puhl

What is the origin of the last name Puhl?

The surname "Puhl" is of German origin. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived by a pond or shallow pool, Middle High German "puhle", or from an occupational name for a miller, Middle High German "mühlenmeister" (mill master), which was later Germanized into "Puhler" and subsequently anglicized as "Puhl". The spelling variations include Pul, Pool, Puell, Puhle, etc.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Puhl

The meaning and origin of the last name Puhl

The surname Puhl is of German origin, derived from the word "Puhl" which means "pond" or "marshy area" in Middle High German. It is thought to have been an occupational name for someone who lived near such a body of water or a topographic name for someone who resided by a pond or marsh. The surname Puhl was first recorded in the 13th century, and it has since been found throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as in other European countries where German-speaking people migrated during the Middle Ages and Early Modern periods. It is also a relatively common name in some parts of the United States, particularly in areas with significant German immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Puhl

The surname Puhl is predominantly distributed across Europe, particularly within Germany and its neighboring countries. According to genealogical databases, it has the highest frequency in Bavaria, a region in southern Germany. Variations such as Puhlmann, Puhlberg, and Puhlschutz can also be found in Germany, suggesting possible regional or familial connections. The name is also present in neighboring countries like Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland, possibly due to historical migration patterns. Beyond Europe, the Puhl name can be traced in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, where it is thought to have been brought by German immigrants during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Puhl

The surname Puhl has several variations and spellings in English language and other dialects. Some common spelling variants include Pulh, Puhle, Puell, Puill, Pühle, Pühll, Puhül, and Puhüll. These variations can be found across different regions, indicating a diverse origin of the name. The root form "Puhl" is believed to have Germanic origins, derived from the word "puhla," meaning "puddle." However, it's essential to note that the spelling of surnames can evolve over time and across geographical locations due to various factors such as transcription errors, regional dialects, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Puhl

The Puhl surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Michael Puhlmann, a German composer and musicologist who gained recognition for his work on musical performance practice of the Baroque period. In sports, Gregor Puhlmann, a native of Germany, is a professional footballer playing for German club Borussia Mönchengladbach as a defender. In academia, Barbara Puhlmann-Harris, an American anthropologist, is known for her research on human evolution and behavior. Furthermore, Hans-Joachim Puhlmann, also from Germany, is a renowned author who has written numerous books on topics such as philosophy, psychology, and theology. These individuals represent the diverse accomplishments of those with the last name Puhl.

Genealogical research on the last name Puhl

The surname Puhl originates from Germany, where it is believed to be an occupational name for a miller or a person who lived near a mill, derived from the Middle High German word "puhle," meaning 'a pool' or 'mill pond'. Variations of this name include Pul, Pull, and Pulle. The Puhl family can be traced back to the region of Swabia in Southwest Germany during the Middle Ages. The earliest known record of the Puhl family is Johannes Puhlo, who lived in Baden-Württemberg around 1400 AD. Over time, members of the Puhl family migrated throughout Europe and later to North America. In the United States, the Puhl name can be found predominantly in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, where many Puhl descendants still reside today.

Last name distribution maps

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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 June 2025

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