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Last Name Thiel

What is the origin of the last name Thiel?

The surname Thiel is of German origin, specifically from the regions of Germany where Low Saxon dialects are spoken. It is derived from the Middle High German word "dietel" meaning "day laborer" or "servant." This occupational name was given to a person who worked on a daily basis for wages rather than being bound to a specific piece of land or lord, as was common among peasants during medieval times. The name may also have originated from the Low German word "deel" meaning "part" or "share," and could have been used by someone who received a part of something, such as land or income, as payment for services rendered. The spelling variations of this surname include Thiel, Theil, Teal, Theile, and others, due to changes in the pronunciation and transcription of personal names over time and across geographical regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Thiel

The meaning and origin of the last name Thiel

The surname Thiel originates from Germanic roots, specifically Old High German 'diol' or 'theol', which means 'people' or 'folk', and the suffix '-thal' or '-tal', meaning 'valley'. Thus, Thiel can be roughly translated as "from the people's valley." It is one of many German surnames that were originally geographical indicators, signifying where an individual's family resided. The earliest recorded instances of the name Thiel date back to the Middle Ages in regions such as Bavaria and Swabia. Over time, due to migration and assimilation, the name spread across Europe and beyond, with significant populations of Thiels found today in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the United States, and other countries with Germanic influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Thiel

The last name Thiel is predominantly distributed in German-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Germany, where it originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived near a thorn bush or a rocky outcrop (in Middle High German, "die Dorn" or "der Fels"). The name is also found in substantial numbers among the German diaspora in neighboring European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and France. Beyond Europe, the Thiel surname can be traced in immigrant communities of German descent in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are in states with substantial German-American populations like Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and California. Smaller numbers of Thiels can also be found in Australia and South Africa, reflecting historical migration patterns from Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Thiel

The surname Thiel has various spelling and pronunciation variations, which may appear as Thiele, Theil, Teitel, Tietel, or Tykel, among others. These differences can be due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional alterations over generations. In English, the most common spelling is Thiel, while Thiele is more prevalent in German-speaking countries. The root of the name is believed to originate from the Old High German word "diol" meaning "people of the valley" or "thicket." This name has been recorded in various parts of Europe since medieval times, including Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and Poland, among others. The name Thiel is also found as a given name in some regions, adding to its variety and historical significance.

Famous people with the last name Thiel

Peter Thiel, a renowned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, is one of the most prominent figures with the surname Thiel. Born in Germany and raised in the United States, he co-founded PayPal and made headlines as an early investor in Facebook, earning him the title of "the original PayPal mafia." His philanthropic efforts include the Thiel Fellowship, a program that provides $100,000 to young people to work on independent projects. In addition, he has been active in political and social issues, such as his support for libertarian causes and his involvement in the 2016 presidential election. Another notable figure with the same surname is Kimberly Thiel, a former Miss USA contestant who went on to become a successful real estate entrepreneur and reality TV personality. She was a finalist on the reality show "The Apprentice" and has since appeared in various other television shows and projects.

Genealogical research on the last name Thiel

The surname Thiel originates from Germanic roots, specifically Old High German "dieil" which means 'strong, powerful'. It is primarily found among the Germanic populations of Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, where it has been recorded since the Middle Ages. Notable individuals with this surname include Hans Thiel (1526-1586), a German astronomer, and Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst Thiel (1836-1904), a prominent German art historian. The name spread to other regions during European migrations, such as the colonization of America by German settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Variations of the surname include Teel, Deil, and Diel. Genealogical research suggests that many Thiels share common ancestry lines within Germany, providing opportunities for family history research and potential connections among the diaspora.

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 : 14 June 2025

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