The surname Zibell is believed to be of German and Italian origin. It comes from the Middle High German "Zibe" meaning "beaver" or the Italian "zibello" meaning "boar". It was likely originally an occupational name for a furrier, as beavers and boars were hunted for their pelts in medieval times. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname for someone with a resemblance to these animals.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Zibell
The meaning and origin of the last name Zibell
The surname Zibell is of Italian origin, particularly prevalent in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. It's derived from the medieval Italian personal name Zibeo or Zebello, which was formed by combining elements of other names such as Giuseppe (Joseph) or Zechariah. Over time, the name evolved into its modern form, Zibell. The surname may also have originated from the occupational name for a fur-maker, derived from the Italian word "zibello," meaning wild boar, possibly indicating that the original bearer was a trapper of these animals. As with many surnames, the exact origins can vary, but the name Zibell is generally believed to have Italian roots.
Geographical distribution of the last name Zibell
The surname Zibell is predominantly found in Central Europe, particularly Germany and Austria. Historically, it is believed to originate from these regions. Variations of the name include Zibel, Zibellius, and Zibellini. In Germany, the name is most common in the states of Thuringia, Bavaria, and Saxony. In Austria, it is more prevalent in the eastern provinces such as Lower Austria and Burgenland. The name's distribution also extends to Italy, particularly in the northern regions, due to historical migration patterns. The Zibell family is thought to have migrated from Germany to Italy during the Middle Ages. The surname is relatively rare outside of these areas.
Variants and spellings of the last name Zibell
The surname Zibell, which originated from Italy, has several variations and spellings. Some common variants include Zibel, Zibello, Zibelli, and Zibolis. In English, the name can also be found as Zibbald, Zibball, or Zibbell-Fox, with the latter indicating a possible combination of two surnames. The name may have derived from the Italian word for "beaver" ("zibecco"), due to nickname surnames being common in medieval Europe. Over time and across different regions, variations and spellings of the name Zibell emerged as a result of phonetic spelling adaptations, historical events, and migration patterns.
Famous people with the last name Zibell
The Zibell family has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most prominent is Richard Zibell, an American economist known for his work on macroeconomic dynamics, monetary economics, and computational economics. He currently serves as a professor at the University of California, Davis. In sports, Fabian Zebell, born Fabian Zibell-Müller, is a German former professional footballer who played as a defender for several clubs including Borussia Mönchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt. In the world of art, Charles Edgar Zibell was an American painter known for his landscapes and portraits, particularly those depicting Native Americans. Born in 1867, he gained recognition during the early 20th century. These examples illustrate the diverse achievements of individuals bearing the surname Zibell across multiple disciplines.
Genealogical research on the last name Zibell
The surname Zibell is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name Giobbe or Job, which was borne by several saints and thus became popular as a given name during the Middle Ages. The name evolved into Zibello in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, where it may have served as a toponym for various places named after Saint Job.
Emigrants with the surname Zibell began appearing in the United States in the 19th century. According to family lore, one branch of the Zibell family originated from the region around Milan, Italy, and later moved to Switzerland before settling in America. Another branch is said to have migrated from Germany to Italy during the Middle Ages, adopting the Italian surname Zibello after their place of origin.
The Zibell family has been documented in various records throughout Europe and the Americas, including census data, church records, military records, and immigration documents. Some notable individuals with the surname Zibell include artist Antonio Zibell (1904-1975), who was known for his paintings of wildlife; and Charles A. Zibell, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming in the early 20th century.
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