Surname Meindel - Meaning and Origin
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Meindel: What does the surname Meindel mean?
The last name Meindel likely has two different possible origins. It could either be a patronymic surname, deriving from the first name Mein/Meind, or an ornamental surname derived from Middle High German minne credentials or minne 'love'.
In the case it is a patronymic name, it likely originated from a Germanic personal name or nickname. The name Mein or Meind was derived from the word ‘mein’ which meant ‘mine’ or ‘belonging to me’. In Old Germanic, the word “min” meant “love”, suggesting this name could have also had romantic connotations.
The name was then passed on to successive generations, being altered slightly but pronunciations and spellings, to form the surname Meindel we know today.
In the case of an ornamental surname, the name Meindel may have been a sign of love and affection, as mentioned before. During the Middle Ages, it was common for families to have ornamental surnames which reflected their desired characteristics and virtues, so Meindel may have been chosen to show the strong love of the family.
Though it cannot be definitively established, the last name Meindel likely has links to love and affection and may have been chosen to express these qualities, either directly or through the use of an old Germanic word.
Order DNA origin analysisMeindel: Where does the name Meindel come from?
The last name Meindel is common today primarily in Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe, with particularly high concentrations in the German states of Thuringia and Bavaria. Additional countries where the name is common include Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Liechtenstein and Hungary.
The Meindel family is known to be extremely prominent in the German wine industry, with many vintners bearing the name found in the Weinheimer region of Germany, where the Meindel family has been in the winemaking business since the 1600s. Today, the Meindel name can also be found in the fields of sport, literature and medicine.
Although the Meindel name is found predominantly in these countries, it is also found in the United States, with populations in New York, California, Pennsylvania and Ohio. It is believed that many Meindels emigrated from Europe in the late 19th century. In spite of their international dispersal, many of the Meindel families have stayed connected in the pursuit of family reunions, research projects and newsletters that are published periodically.
The Meindel family has a rich history and a bright future. Their associations in various fields of endeavour are noteworthy and, with time, they will undoubtedly continue to make their mark around the world.
Variations of the surname Meindel
The exact origin of the surname Meindel is uncertain. However, records suggest that it is likely of Germanic origin, and is derived from the given name Meinrad or Meinhard. This name is composed of two elements: "mein", which most likely means "strong" or "brave", and "hard", which most likely has to do with strength or courage. As a result, Meindel is believed to mean "strong and brave."
Variant spellings and surnames for Meindel include Meindl, Meindle, Meindorff, Menadel, Menndle, Myndle, and Mindel.
The surname Meindel is fairly widespread in Europe, with a relatively high concentration of occurrences in Germany. It is also found among German and Jewish populations in the United States, Canada, and South America.
In the United States, the highest concentration of the Meindel surname can be found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. It is most commonly encountered in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest states of New Jersey, Maryland, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
In Germany, the highest concentrations of the Meindel surname can be found in Bavaria, Hesse, and Brandenburg. It is most commonly encountered in the cities of Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin.
In Jewish communities, the surname Meindel is most frequently encountered among Ashkenazi Jewish populations and is most commonly found in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Given the origin of the surname Meindel, and the fact that its occurrence in Europe is fairly widespread, it is likely that its variant spellings and surnames are encountered in many countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Meindel
- Werner Meindel: German engineer and co-founder of the company Siemens AG.
- Hermann Meindel: German sculptor, designer, and proponent of the Nürologische Kunst movement.
- Peter Meindel: professor of English Literature at the University of Salzburg.
- Kurt Meindel: German painter and professor of art at the Akademie der bildenden Künste in Munich.
- Bernd Meindel: Austrian professional wakeboarder and competitive surfer.
- Gustav Meindel: German-Jewish photographer, known for his portrait work and photographs of rural Europe.
- Siegfried Meindel: German architect, best known for his subsidence buildings in West Berlin.
- Gertrude Meindel: Austrian novelist and playwright, known for her novels set in post-war Vienna.
- Fritz Meindel: German aeronautical engineer, known for his role in the design of the Messerschmitt Me-262 fighter jet.
- Maximilian Meindel: Austrian architect and interior designer, known for his Art Deco buildings and interiors.