Surname Häckl - Meaning and Origin

Delving Deeper into My Roots: How The iGENEA DNA Test Influenced my Perception of the Häckl Surname and Family Identity

The iGENEA DNA test has not just unveiled my ancestral roots, but also deepened my understanding of the Häckl surname and its historical significance. The test's revelations have reshaped my perception of my familial identity, evoking a sense of pride, awe, and responsibility. The genealogical journey has underlined the importance of preserving one's heritage and embracing the diversity within.

G. Häckl

Häckl: What does the surname Häckl mean?

The last name Häckl has German heritage and is derived from the word “hacken” which means “to hoe” or “to cultivate”. It likely originated as a nickname or signifier for a farmer or farmhand. It is believed that the name was first used in the 12th century in the German region of Bavaria.

In modern times, the last name is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the regions of Bavaria, Thüringen and Saxony. Häckl is also present in the United States, however it is less common.

The origins of this name and its associated history provide insight into the lives of early German settlers. Those who take this surname can feel proud of their ancestors and their ties to Germany’s agricultural history.

In addition to its agrarian origins, Häckl has a unique pronunciation and spelling that serves as a distinctive hallmark for anyone who carries this name. It’s an eye-catching name that stands out when written and spoken and can be easily remembered and identified.

Häckl: Where does the name Häckl come from?

The last name Häckl is common in much of Europe, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. It is especially common in Austria, where it ranks as the 99th-most-common last name, with an estimated 1000 people sharing the name. It is also common in Hungary, ranking 79th in prevalence, and in the Czech Republic (205th).

Elsewhere in Europe, the surname is recorded but less common. It shows up fairly regularly in Germany (918th), with an estimated 1000 people living with it, as well as in Poland (1604th) and Slovakia (1319th), with fewer than 500 people sharing the name. Much smaller populations are reported in Croatia (8083rd) and Slovenia (7339th), with fewer than one hundred people bearing the surname.

The name also appears in North and South America, with surveys reporting it as 122nd most common in the United States and 109th in Brazil. It is not common farther away from Europe, such as in Asia or Africa.

The name appears to be of Germanic origin and has a number of variant spellings; those include Häckl, Hackl, and Haekl. It is thought to have originated as a nickname for a person of short stature, as the root of the word "Häckl"(in this context) corresponds to the old German word “ackl” or “akel”, meaning “quick and nimble”. As such, it is still common in areas whose populations descend from Germanic-speaking communities.

Variations of the surname Häckl

The surname Häckl is a German and Ashkenazic Jewish name, usually spelled 'Haeckl' or 'Haekel'. It derives from the Middle High German word "hagel", meaning 'hawthorn hedge'. Later, the term came to refer to a hedge fence, as well as a type of thick leather. It is likely that the surname was originally a nickname for someone who lived near or worked with a hedge.

The surnames Haekl, Haekel, Häckel, and Hackl are all variations of the name Häckl. Common spellings can also include Häkle, Haeckl, Haackl, and Hackel.

Other variants of Häckl include the following surnames:

Haigel, Hagle, Haegele, Hagel, Hageler, Hagl, Hagler, Eckl, Eckle, Eckler, Heigl, Heigle, Heigler, Heigler, and Yekel.

The surname also has various translations around the world, such as Hackle in Ireland, Heigel in Belgium, and Hegli in Switzerland.

In the United States, the surname has evolved into Hackley, Haigley, and Haighley. There's also Haggler, Haygler, Hauckal, Heagler, and Hieckler.

In Russia, the surname is transliterated to Gekhlin, Gekhler, Gakhler, Gekler, Gakhal, and Gakhalkin.

The name is also recorded in England, where it can be found as Haigle, Hagler, Hagl, Heigle, Haleygle, Heagler, Heaggler, and Heagling.

In conclusion, the surname Häckl can have a myriad of forms and spellings throughout the world. While some surnames are derived from the Middle High German term for hedge, the name can take on other variations in different countries, depending on the local language.

Famous people with the name Häckl

• Gerhard Häckl: a prominent Austrian actor in television, film and musicals.
• Wolfgang Häckl: Austrian composer and record producer.
• Max Häckl: director of Austrian film The Housemaid.
• Elisabeth Häckl: Austrian actress.
• Otto Häckl: a prolific Austrian writer of historical and science fiction novels.
• Catherine Häckl: Austrian classical pianist and musicologist.
• Heinrich Häckl: Austrian literary critic and playwright.
• Hans Häckl: German-British illustrator.
• Rudolf Häckl: sculptor and painter from Austria.
• Georg Häckl: German physicist and mathematician.

Other surnames

HackleHäcklein