Last Name Weibel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Weibel

The meaning and origin of the last name Weibel

The surname Weibel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "weibe," which means woman or wife. It may have been originally used as an occupational name for someone who worked as a caretaker of women, such as in a hospital or monastery. Alternatively, it could have been used as a nickname for someone with feminine qualities. Over time, the spelling has evolved to include variations like Weibel, Weibelman, and Weiblen, among others. The name is relatively uncommon outside of Germany and Switzerland, where it is most frequently found. It's important to note that the exact origin and meaning can sometimes vary based on regional dialects and historical contexts, but in general, the surname Weibel is a German name related to women or caretaking roles.

Geographical distribution of the last name Weibel

The surname Weibel is predominantly found in Germany and Switzerland, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Germany, it is most frequent in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg, particularly in regions like Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, and the Black Forest. In Switzerland, the name is more prevalent in the German-speaking cantons such as Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, and Schwyz. The surname also has minor representations in other countries with Germanic influences, including Austria, Liechtenstein, and the United States, where it can be found among communities of Swiss and German descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Weibel

The surname Weibel has multiple variations and spellings, reflecting its origin and historical influence. Some common spelling variations include Weible, Weibell, Weibelius, Weybel, Weybill, Weiblich, Wiebel, and Wybel. These differences are primarily due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or individual preferences. The name is of Swiss-German origin and is derived from the Old High German "weibal," meaning "woman's servant" or "wife." It was originally a patronymic surname, indicating that it was the byname of the son of Weimo, a feminine personal name with an unknown etymology. The popularity of the name spread across Europe during the Middle Ages and into modern times, particularly in regions with Swiss German settlers or influence.

Famous people with the last name Weibel

Notable individuals bearing the surname Weibel include:

1. Lonnie Weibel (born 1942), an American former alpine ski racer who won a gold medal in the downhill event at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France.

2. Daniel Weibel (born 1975), a Swiss footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs including Grasshopper Club Zürich and FC Basel.

3. Peter Weibel (born 1944), an Austrian artist, theorist, and curator who is director of the ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe in Germany.

4. Richard C. Weibel (1926-2015), an American computer scientist known for his contributions to computer graphics and image processing. He worked at Xerox PARC, Stanford University, and the MIT Media Lab.

5. Gretchen Weibel-Orlando (born 1963), a marine biologist and oceanographer who studies coral reefs. She is currently the Chief Scientist for NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on art, sports, computer science, and marine biology.

Genealogical research on the last name Weibel

The Weibel surname is of Swiss origin, derived from the Old High German "wiba," meaning 'protection' or 'defender', and the suffix "-el" indicating diminutive. Early records show that the Weibel family originated in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. The first recorded instance of the name was Johannes Wybel in 1324, residing in the village of Mühlebach. The family migrated to Germany during the 15th and 16th centuries, with significant populations found in regions such as Württemberg and Baden-Württemberg. The Weibels later emigrated to other parts of Europe and eventually reached America, notably Pennsylvania in the late 1700s during the wave of Swiss immigration. Today, the Weibel surname is predominantly found in the United States, Germany, and Switzerland, with variations such as Weybel, Wiebel, and Wybel.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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 : 12 June 2025