Surname Gabriel - Meaning and Origin
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S. Gabriel
read moreGabriel: What does the surname Gabriel mean?
The surname Gabriel has biblical origins and is derived from the Hebrew name Gabrie’l, meaning "God is my strength" or "God is my strong man". The name is carried by an archangel in the Old Testament who was a messenger of God, delivering prophecies and interpretations to God's people. This name was spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages due to its religious significance. Over time, the name evolved into various forms and spellings, and it was adopted as a surname, often for people named after the archangel, either by themselves or by clerics. Therefore, the surname Gabriel signifies strength and divine power, and it symbolizes a person's religious faith or divine mission. Furthermore, the popularity of the name was further influenced by several saints named Gabriel from early Christian history, making it a common surname in various cultures and countries around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisGabriel: Where does the name Gabriel come from?
The surname Gabriel is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew name Gavriel, meaning 'God is my strength'. It was introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages, brought by Crusaders and pilgrims who had visited the Holy Land. Being a prominent name in the Bible and Christian tradition, it spread across Europe, resulting in various spellings and forms. Gabriel is a common surname in many Christian-influenced countries worldwide.
Today, it is particularly prevalent in Romania, ranking as one of the most common surnames. It also holds significant prevalence in the Philippines, France, United States, and Brazil. The variations of this surname, like Gabrielli, Gavrilov, or Gabriele, further extend its presence in countries like Italy, Russia, and others.
It's interesting to note that in some cultures, Gabriel is more commonly used as a first name rather than a surname. However, it remains a widely recognized and global surname due to its religious connotations and historical significance.
Variations of the surname Gabriel
The surname Gabriel has origins in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and German, reflecting the spread of Christianity throughout Europe. Variants of the surname based on the angelic figure Gabriel include Gabriele (Italian), Gabrielli (Italian), Gabriela (Spanish), Gabriele (German), Gabrielsen (Norwegian), Gabrielson (Swedish), Gabrielyan (Armenian), and Gabryszak (Polish).
Alternate spellings include Gabriell, Gabrile, Gabryel, Gaberial, and Gabreil. There may also be compounded surnames like Gabrielsson or Gabrielsen, particularly in Scandinavian cultures, where the “-sson” or "-sen" suffix indicates parentage, similar to "-son" in English. Other adaptations could be Gabrielian or Gabrielidis, reflecting Greek and Armenian traditions.
Spelling differences often occurred due to regional dialects and variations in translating the bible into different languages. Therefore, the surname can also be found in religious texts, translated into the local language.
These surnames are all linked by the root "Gabriel," derived from the biblical appearance of the Archangel Gabriel, whose name means "God is my strength" in Hebrew. Hence, these surnames have a strong religious connotation and spread throughout regions influenced by Christian beliefs.
Famous people with the name Gabriel
- Peter Gabriel: An English singer, songwriter, record producer, and humanitarian who rose to fame as the original lead singer of the progressive rock band Genesis.
- Ana Gabriel: A Mexican singer and songwriter known for her hits in various musical genres including rock, mariachi, and pop.
- Roman Gabriel: A retired American football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Mike Gabriel: An American director, animator, and screenwriter who has worked for Walt Disney Animation Studios.
- Juan Gabriel: He was a Mexican singer, songwriter, and actor, also known as El Divo de Juárez.
- Virginia Gabriel: She was an English composer and pianist of the 19th century.
- Ana María Gabriel: A Spanish novelist, playwright, and screenwriter.
- Andrea Gabriel: An American actress most known for her role on the ABC drama series "Lost."
- Jillian Gabriel: A Canadian actress and producer.
- Jacques Gabriel: He was a French architect known for his symmetric, balanced designs synonymous with the classical French style.