Last Name Zibel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zibel

The meaning and origin of the last name Zibel

The surname Zibel is of German origin, stemming from various locations in Germany such as Ziebel in Lower Saxony and Sibiel in Baden-Württemberg. It is derived from the Middle High German word "zibe," which means "grasshopper." This name may have been given to someone who was thought to resemble a grasshopper, or it could have been used as a nickname for an energetic or restless individual. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved from Ziebel, Sibiel, and other variations to its current form, Zibel. The name is relatively rare but can be found in Germany and other countries where German immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zibel

The surname Zibel has a predominantly German origin and is primarily found in regions that were once part of the Holy Roman Empire. It is most common in southwestern Germany, particularly in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse. Smaller clusters can also be found in other parts of Germany, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria. Additionally, there are significant numbers of individuals with the surname Zibel in Austria, specifically in Vienna and Carinthia. Emigration patterns suggest that some bearers of this surname have also settled in other parts of Europe, particularly in Switzerland, Denmark, and the Netherlands. In North America, German immigrants bearing the name Zibel can be found predominantly in the United States, particularly in states with large German-American communities like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zibel

The surname Zibel has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, pronunciation, and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Ziebel, Ziebelt, Ziebolt, Siebel, Seebold, Seebeck, and Zeibel. These variations can be traced back to the same Germanic roots, with the name potentially deriving from "sebe" meaning seabuckthorn or "siba" meaning sieve in Old High German. The name Zibel may also have Jewish origins as a shortened form of Isaiah or Joshua. These variations and their origins provide a fascinating glimpse into the historical and cultural context in which the surname was passed down throughout generations.

Famous people with the last name Zibel

Notable individuals with the surname Zibel include:

1. Marvin Zindler (1924-2007), an American journalist and investigative reporter, best known for his work at KPRC-TV in Houston, Texas. He was a pioneer in the field of television journalism and won numerous awards for his reporting.

2. Dusty Ziegler (born 1983), an American musician and singer-songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the band Scarypoolparty. He has released several albums and gained a significant following in the alternative rock genre.

3. Robert Zibel (1924-2016), a mathematician and computer scientist, who was a key contributor to the development of the SAGE air defense system during the Cold War. He also worked on programming languages, compilers, and software engineering methodologies.

4. Lennie Ziel (born 1958), an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name "The Z-Man." He had a successful career in professional wrestling, competing in various promotions during the 1980s and 1990s.

Genealogical research on the last name Zibel

The Zibel surname is of German and Jewish origin, derived from various regional names such as Siebel, Zeppelin, or Ziebell. Originating from these regions, it is believed that the first recorded instance of the name was a Hans Siebel in the town of Bremen, Germany, around 1250. The name evolved into Zibel and became widely distributed across Germany, with notable settlements in Württemberg, Hesse, and Pomerania.

In the 17th century, some members of this family emigrated to Central Europe, primarily Poland and later Russia, where they were documented in towns like Grodno and Vilnius. Many Zibels also immigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mainly settling in New York City and other major urban centers such as Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston. Today, the surname is primarily found in North America, with significant populations in Israel and Poland as well.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zibel"
• 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 : 30 July 2025