Surname Finkle - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Finkle: What does the surname Finkle mean?
Finkle is a surname of German origin. It primarily derives from the Middle High German word “vinkel” which means “angle” or “corner”. Often, it was used to describe a person who lived on a corner of a street or at the meeting point of two natural geographical features, thus indicating a location or property. Therefore, like many surnames originating in Europe during the Middle Ages, Finkle is likely a topographic or locational surname. Notable people with the last name Finkle include American football placekicker, Ray Finkle, fictionally portrayed in the movie "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and Howard Finkel, a famous wrestling announcer. It is important to note that meanings of surnames can vary and may have evolved or changed over time and migrations.
Order DNA origin analysisFinkle: Where does the name Finkle come from?
The surname Finkle is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. It is derived from the Yiddish term for 'sparkle' or 'spark', possibly referencing a lively or energetic ancestor. The name became more common after Jewish emigration to the countries like the United States, Israel, and Canada in the late 19th and early 20th century due to socio-economic and political reasons.
However, the name Finkle is not particularly common and is spread thinly across the globe. The highest concentration of the surname can be found in the United States, specifically in New York state. Other significant clusters are in Israel and Canada. The name can also be found in considerably smaller numbers across various European countries, and parts of Southern Africa, most predominantly in South Africa.
Variations of the surname Finkle
The surname Finkle has several variants, spellings, and related surnames that share the same roots or origin. Alternative spellings include Finkel, Finkell, Finkill, Finckle, and Finckel.
The surname has Ashkenazic Jewish, German, and English origins. In the Ashkenazic Jewish and German contexts, it may be derived from the given name Fink, which means 'finch' in German. Spelling variants of this root surname could include Finkler, Finkelman, and Finkelstein.
In the English context, Finkle derives from the Old Norse word "finkill," meaning a small hay fork. The name was often given to someone who manufactured or used such forks. Variations in this context may include Finkill, Fynkill, Fynkyl, and possibly Phinkle or Phynkel.
It's essential to note that spelling of surnames changed over time, often due to errors in transcription or translation. Different branches of a family may, therefore, bear slightly different surnames today. As such, establishing a link between these variations requires genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Finkle
- Earl Finkle: Earl Finkle is a former American lawyer and politician. He served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1973 to 1984 as a Republican.
- Casper Finkle: Casper Finkle is an American actor known for roles such as Pete in Broadway's A Chorus Line and PFCCarl in the television movie Eleanor, First Lady of the World.
- Edgar Finkle: Edgar Finkle was an American architect from Philadelphia.
- Michele Finkle: Michele Finkle is an American television writer and producer known for her work on Desperate Housewives, Kyle XY, and Dance Moms.
- Ryan Finkle: Ryan Finkle is an American filmmaker best known for the award-winning documentary film, Try Giving Something Away.
- Shannon Finkle: Shannon Finkle is an American mathematician and professor at the University of California, Davis.
- Judy Finkle: Judy Finkle is an American screenwriter known for writing films such as Intake, Killer Instinct, and Amelie's Shadow.
- Emma Finkle: Emma Finkle is an American journalist and author of the non-fiction book, Inheriting Fabulous.
- Pamela Finkle: Pamela Finkle is an American artist best known for her work in mural painting and teaching art.
- Eric Finkle: Eric Finkle is an American singer-songwriter who is best known for his album, Home.