Last Name Tiegel

The surname Tiegel is of German origin. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a pond or small lake, as "Tiegel" means "little pond" or "small reservoir" in Middle High German. Alternatively, it could also be an occupational name for a tile maker, as "Tiegel" is an old term for a type of potter's wheel used to make tiles and bricks.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Tiegel

The surname Tiegel is of German origin, derived from various place names in Germany and Belgium that contain the element "Teich" or "Tiekel," meaning "pond" or "lake." This name was originally a topographic surname for someone who lived near a pond or lake, or possibly a nickname for a person with certain physical characteristics resembling a pond or a strong swimmer. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, leading to variations such as Teich, Teugel, Tiegel, and Thiel. The name is most common in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tiegel

The surname Tiegel is predominantly found in Germany, particularly in the western regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, where it is one of the more common names. It is also present in other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. Emigrants from these areas have contributed to its dispersal across the globe, with significant numbers in the United States, Canada, and South America, particularly in countries with historical ties to Germany such as Brazil and Argentina. In the US, concentrations of Tiegel descendants are found in states with high German-American populations like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The name also appears in other European countries due to historical migration patterns and cultural exchange, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tiegel

The surname Tiegel has several variations and spelling alterations, primarily due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Teigel, Tiegeler, Teichler, Tieckel, and Deichler. These variations may stem from similar sounds or meanings of the original name, which is believed to have origins in Germany and the Netherlands. In German, "Tiegel" translates to "kettle," while "Teigel" could be derived from "Teig," meaning "dough." Similarly, "Deichler" may come from "Deich," signifying a dike or embankment. The spelling differences can also be attributed to migration patterns, as families with the name Tiegel moved across continents and assimilated into new cultures, potentially adopting local spellings of their surnames along the way.

Famous people with the last name Tiegel

Notable individuals with the surname Tiegel include:

1. Friedrich Tiegel (1897-1942), a German World War I flying ace credited with 36 aerial victories, making him the fourth highest scoring fighter pilot of the war. He was awarded the Pour le Mérite and died in action.

2. Albert Tiegel (born 1938), a German former football player who played for various clubs including FC Bayern Munich and the West Germany national team. He won the UEFA European Championship in 1972.

3. Pauline Tiegel (1865-1951), an American Impressionist painter known for her rural landscapes, still lifes, and genre paintings. Her works were exhibited at the National Academy of Design.

4. John Tiegel (born 1953), a retired United States Army general who served as commander of the United States Forces Japan and the Seventh Army from 2007 to 2010. He reached the rank of four-star general.

Genealogical research on the last name Tiegel

The surname Tiegel originates from Germanic roots, specifically Old High German 'dihhal' meaning 'roofed' or 'thatched.' Early records show that the name was borne by members of various noble families throughout Germany and Belgium during the Middle Ages. One notable lineage is that of the Lords of Tiegel, who resided in the Rhine region, with their territory centered around the Tievel Castle. The family played significant roles in regional politics and wars, particularly during the Holy Roman Empire.

A prominent branch of this lineage emigrated to Holland during the 17th century. From there, some Tiegels later settled in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) as well as in North America, with the first recorded immigration taking place in 1683 when Jacob Tiegel arrived in Philadelphia.

Today, Tiegels can be found primarily in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States, with significant concentrations in Pennsylvania and Michigan due to historical waves of immigration. Notable individuals bearing this surname include German composer Wilhelm Tiepel (1725-1776), Dutch artist Willem Tiegel (1853-1931), and American football coach Paul Tiegler (born 1944).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tiegel"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 28 July 2025

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