Surname Riepel - Meaning and Origin
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Riepel: What does the surname Riepel mean?
The last name Riepel is of German origin and is derived from the Old German word 'ripal', which means a young wild boar. In the Middle Ages, the families that chose this name would most likely have been boar hunters. This occupational surname was probably popular then (and often still is today) as a way to demonstrate a family’s standing in society.
It is likely that the Riepel surname would have been found in many parts of Germany. For centuries, the name may have been used to identify people who came from the same family, providing an extra sense of connection and belonging within the community. Indeed, the Riepel name was first recorded in medieval Bavaria, before spreading to other regions of Germany.
The spelling of the surname may have changed over the centuries and in different locations. Some variants of Riepel include Rieppl, Ripel, and Reiple. Formerly known patronymic variations of the name also include the surnames Ripper, Rippler, and Repele.
Today, the surname Riepel is a proud reminder of a German family name that has managed to survive the passage of time. So, though the boar hunting days may be over, there still remains a bond among those that share the Riepel surname and it continues to be passed down through families for many generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisRiepel: Where does the name Riepel come from?
The surname Riepel is most commonly found in Germany today, particularly in Bavaria. It is thought to derive from the German word "riep" (or "rieb"), which was used to signify a farm near a creek, and appears to have been used as a name for people living on such a farm. The Riepel surname is most likely first derived from the Franconian region.
The distribution of the Riepel surname today suggests that the name was established in southern Germany prior to the 19th century. It is most commonly found in Bavaria, as well as in smaller parts of eastern Germany and Austria. The surname is also known in several countries in Europe, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.
Since the 19th century, there have been a number of prominent Riepels in Germany. The best known of these is the mathematician and philosopher Karl Christian Riepel (1702–1775). More recently, the Riepel surname has been associated with prominent German businessmen, such as Hans-Peter Riepel, who was the chairman of Siemens in the mid-1990s.
The Riepel surname is also more commonly found in the German-speaking world today, such as in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Within these countries, the surname is most commonly found in German-speaking areas. There have also been a number of Riepels who have migrated to North America, Australia, and New Zealand, though the surname is less commonly found in these countries today.
Variations of the surname Riepel
The surname Riepel is of Germanic origin, and is believed to have been derived from the Germanic and Dutch words "rijp" (ripe) and "el" (alder). It is also thought to have been derived from the Germanic root word "rip" (strong).
The variants and spellings of the surname Riepel include Rieple, Riepple, Rippel, Rieppler, Riepbell, Ripel, Ripple, Rippel, Reppel, Rippeler, Rippler, Ruppel and Reipel.
In German-speaking countries such as Germany and Austria, the surname Riepel is uncommon. In the United States, however, the surname is relatively common, and is believed to have been brought over by the descendants of German immigrants in the 19th century.
The surnames Ripley, Ripper, and Reep are also thought to be derived from the surname Riepel, although the exact connection is difficult to trace.
The variants and spellings of the surname Riepel listed here may also be found in other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Famous people with the name Riepel
- Simon Riepel (1722-1782): A German painter, archaeologist, and art theorist from Bavaria.
- Adam Wilhelm Riepel (1655-1718): A Baroque composer of religious music.
- Johanna die Riepel (1704-1759): A German opera singer.
- Adam Riepel (1755-1835): A German Naturphilosoph from Bavaria.
- Maria Margarethe Riepel (1772-1840): A German writer, best known for her collection of children's stories.
- Heinz Riepel (1921-2004): A German stage and screen actor.
- Gabriele Riepel (born 1954): An Austrian actress and author.
- Kersten Riepel (born 1992): An Australian Paralympic athlete specialized in wheelchair tennis.
- Erwin Riepel (born 1946): An Austrian concertmaster and solo violinist.
- Christoph Riepel (born 1961): An Austrian singer, composer and music producer.