Last Name Zindel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zindel

The meaning and origin of the last name Zindel

The surname Zindel is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "zindele," which means "little lion" or "young lion." It was initially used as a nickname for individuals who were perceived to have characteristics resembling a lion, such as bravery or strength. Over time, this surname became hereditary and was passed down through generations. The name is most common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking regions, although individuals with the surname Zindel can be found globally today due to migration and historical events such as the diaspora of German settlers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zindel

The surname Zindel is predominantly found in Central Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. It originates from the medieval Germanic personal name "Zindo," meaning "life" or "living." Historically, it was most common in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony in Germany, as well as Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, Thurgau, and Zürich in Switzerland. The name also appears sporadically in Austria and other Germanic-speaking regions due to historical migration patterns and cultural ties. In recent years, the diaspora has led to the presence of individuals with the surname Zindel in various parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zindel

The surname Zindel has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include Zinder, Zin Del, Zindele, Zyn Del, Zindell, and Zindale. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or phonetic transcriptions from other languages. Additionally, the name may have been altered over time due to factors such as immigration, assimilation, and clerical errors. It is also important to note that the surname Zindel has German origins, derived from the Middle High German word "zinde" meaning "tender" or "soft." The name may have originally been a nickname for someone with soft or tender characteristics.

Famous people with the last name Zindel

Notable individuals sharing the surname Zindel include:

1. Kurt Vonnegut Jr., a renowned American author, known for his works such as "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Cat's Cradle." Despite not having the name Zindel, Kurt Vonnegut's middle name is sometimes mistakenly believed to be Zindel due to his close friendship with Theodore Sturgeon, whose son was named Kurt Zindel.
2. Robert Zend, a Canadian writer and artist, born in Hungary. His works often explore surrealism, spirituality, and the human condition.
3. David Zindel, an American video game developer and designer, best known for his work on games like "The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind" and "Oblivion."
4. Michael Zindel, a Canadian actor, who has appeared in various films and TV shows such as "The X-Files," "Stargate SG-1," and "Sanctuary."
5. In sports, Thomas Zindel is an Austrian alpine skier who competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
6. Paul Zindel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright and novelist, best known for his novels "The Pigman" and "My Darling, My Hamilton." He passed away in 2003.

Genealogical research on the last name Zindel

The surname Zindel is of Swiss-German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "zindele," meaning a young deer. The name was originally occupational, denoting a dealer in skins or hides. Records show that the name's earliest known mention was in 1295 when a certain Henricus Zindelin was recorded in the city of Bern, Switzerland.

The Zindels immigrated to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, with significant populations settling in Germany and France. In the late 17th century, a number of Zindel families moved to South America, particularly to Argentina and Brazil.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many members of the Zindel family emigrated from Europe to the United States, with the majority settling in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas. Notable individuals with the surname Zindel include playwright Kurt Vonnegut Jr., who was born Karl Vonnegut Zindel, and Austrian-American astronomer and astrophysicist Rudolf Minkowski, whose mother was a Zindel.

The family name has since diversified, with various spellings such as Zindelen, Zindelin, and Zindelman emerging over time. Despite these variations, all share a common origin in the Middle High German word for young deer.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zindel"
• 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 : 23 July 2025