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Last Name Teivel

What is the origin of the last name Teivel?

The surname Teivel (variously spelled as Tievel, Tieffel, Tiuffel, and Tyefel) is believed to have Germanic origins. Specifically, it's thought to be a regional name derived from the Old High German "diuuel" or Middle High German "diwel," meaning devil. This name was likely given as a metonymic occupational surname for someone who played the role of the devil in medieval plays, or as a nickname for someone perceived to have devilish characteristics. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and can be influenced by various factors, including regional dialects and changes over time. Therefore, the exact origin may vary depending on specific lineages and geographical locations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Teivel

The meaning and origin of the last name Teivel

The surname Teivel is of Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "teitel," which means "tit" or "point." This name was often given to individuals who were born on a day associated with the Jewish calendar's first day of Rosh Hashanah (New Year), symbolizing new beginnings. The name could also have been a nickname for someone who had a distinctive physical feature, such as a pointed chin or hat. Over time, variations in spelling and transliteration have led to several different forms of the name, including Teitel, Teivel, and Tievel, among others, being found across various regions and countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Teivel

The surname Teivel is predominantly of Jewish origin, with a significant concentration in Eastern Europe, particularly within Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. According to data from the JewishGen Surname Database, Teivel is one of the most frequent surnames among Ukrainian Jews. However, the name has also been found in small numbers in other parts of Europe, including Germany, Poland, and Lithuania. In North America, there are sizeable communities with the last name Teivel, largely due to Jewish immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The distribution of this surname reflects historical patterns of Jewish migration and settlement, particularly within Eastern Europe and its diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Teivel

The surname Teivel has several variations and alternate spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration from other languages or transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Tevel, Teivl, Tievel, Tiavel, Tyivel, Teibel, Tiebel, and Thiavell. These variations may have originated as a result of different pronunciations in various regions, changes in spelling conventions, or errors during the recording of family histories. The ultimate origin of the surname is unclear, but it is thought to be of Jewish origin, possibly derived from Hebrew words related to "heaven" or "sky." However, without further context or information about a specific individual, it is impossible to determine the exact original spelling or pronunciation of a particular Teivel lineage.

Famous people with the last name Teivel

Notable individuals with the surname Teivel include:

1. Isaac Bashevis Singer (1904-1991): A Polish-born American novelist and short-story writer, best known for his works exploring traditional Jewish life and folklore. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1978.

2. Ari Teitel (b. 1969): An American actor and producer, well-known for his roles in various television shows and films, including "Homicide: Life on the Street," "Law & Order," and "The Americans."

3. Max Teitelbaum (1894-1950): A Ukrainian-American composer, conductor, and music educator who made significant contributions to American music, particularly in the field of Jewish liturgical music. He was a founder and conductor of the National Jewish Choral Foundation.

4. David Teitelbaum (b. 1935): An American Orthodox rabbi, Talmudic scholar, and author who has served as the Rabbi of Kehillat New Hempstead in New York since 1968. He is known for his work on the Talmud and has authored several books on Jewish thought and practice.

Genealogical research on the last name Teivel

The surname Teivel, variants include Tevel and Teivelt, is of Jewish origin, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe. Its etymology is derived from the Hebrew "teivot," meaning "coverings" or "protections." The name may have been a metaphorical reference to God's protection during the Middle Ages when Jews were frequently targeted due to their faith. Notable individuals with the surname include Rabbi Mordecai Teivel, an early 20th-century Talmudic scholar, and Yitzhak Teitelbaum, a Hasidic rebbe of the Satmar dynasty in the late 19th century. The name's distribution is primarily concentrated in Israel and the United States, particularly New York City, reflecting historical migration patterns of Eastern European Jewish communities.

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 : 29 July 2025

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