Last Name Vagle

The surname Vagle is of Norwegian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically the village of Våge in Buskerud county, Norway. As with many surnames, it was originally a locative name taken from the location where an individual lived or owned property. Over time, families with this name migrated to other parts of the world, particularly to North America, and the spelling variations of the name evolved accordingly.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vagle

The meaning and origin of the last name Vagle

The surname Vagle is of Norwegian origin, derived from the Old Norse word "Vágr," which means "bay" or "inlet." This name was often given to individuals who lived near or were associated with a body of water shaped like a bay. Over time, as Scandinavian immigrants moved to other countries, variations in spelling and pronunciation emerged. Variations of the name include Vågler, Vaagle, and Vaagle. The surname Vagle is predominantly found among Norwegian descendants and is less common compared to some other Norwegian surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vagle

The surname Vagle has a predominantly Norwegian origin, reflecting its Scandinavian roots. A significant concentration of individuals with this last name can be found in Norway, particularly in the region of Vestlandet, where the town of Vågå is located, which may have contributed to the name's prevalence. The Vagle surname is also present in other parts of Norway, such as Sør-Trøndelag and Hordaland counties. Outside of Norway, individuals with the last name Vagle can be found in various diaspora communities, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, primarily due to Norwegian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vagle

The surname Vagle has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Vaagle, Wagle, and Waagle, among others. These variations may be found across various geographic regions, with Scandinavian countries like Norway being the likely origin of the name. The surname Vagle is derived from the Old Norse word "våg" which means "bay" or "cove." The addition of the -le suffix in some variants suggests that these names may have been originally topographical, indicating a location near a bay or cove. Despite these variations, all versions of the surname Vagle share a common root and origin.

Famous people with the last name Vagle

Notable individuals with the surname Vagle include:

1. Sverre Vagle (1923-2008), a Norwegian diplomat who served as Norway's Ambassador to Sweden and Yugoslavia, among other roles.

2. Tor Vagle (born 1946), a Norwegian composer and musician known for his work in both classical and jazz music.

3. Leif Vagle (born 1950), a Norwegian politician who served as the Mayor of Larvik from 2011 to 2015, representing the Conservative Party.

4. Kjetil Vagle (born 1981), a Norwegian sailor who competed in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics in the Laser class.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions in their respective fields, demonstrating the versatility and achievements of those bearing the surname Vagle.

Genealogical research on the last name Vagle

The surname Vagle, of Norse origin, is believed to have derived from the Old Norse "vágr" meaning 'bay' or 'inlet.' The name has been recorded in various spellings throughout history, including Vagle, Vagle, and Wagle, due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording methods.

Notable individuals with the surname Vagle include Norwegian engineer Bjørn Vagle (1872-1954), who was a pioneer in the development of Norway's hydroelectric power industry, and American artist Robert Vagle (born 1942), known for his sculptures and installations.

The name is most commonly found in Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, although it also appears in various populations of Norwegian descent worldwide, particularly in the United States and Canada.

In genealogical research, one can find records of Vagle family members in the 19th-century Norwegian parish registers, as well as emigration records from Norway to North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Online resources such as Ancestry and MyHeritage offer a wealth of information for those researching their Vagle ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vagle"
• 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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