Surname Blochel - Meaning and Origin
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Blochel: What does the surname Blochel mean?
Last name Blochel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘blochel’. The word ‘blochel’ existed prior to 1200 and was most likely derived from an old Germanic word ‘bloc’, meaning ‘block’ or ‘lump’. Thus, the name Blochel essentially means ‘blocked’ or ‘lumpy’.
During the Middle Ages, the name Blochel was used to refer to someone who had a rather large build — which could have been from either their size or size of certain body parts. The name could have also been used in the literal sense to refer to someone who was equipped with something big or strong.
Later on, the name was used to describe someone who was strong-willed, stubborn and full of determination. It also became an endearing name to refer to someone who was capable and dependable — traits that would be desirable in a leader or possible protector.
The expanded etymological roots of Blochel have been interpreted to mean ‘the principle of solid’ and ‘something that cannot be broken’ — all the more reasons why the name was once a popular choice for someone with great strength and tenacity.
Today, the surname Blochel continues to evoke an image of a strong individual, one who is reliable and dependable. The surname is more widespread in Germany but can be found in various parts of the world which have German influences, including the United States, France, Canada, and Australia.
Order DNA origin analysisBlochel: Where does the name Blochel come from?
The last name Blochel is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. In Germany, people with this name are found mostly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. In Austria, Blochel surnames are concentrated in the states of Styria and Carinthia.
Blochel is a German variant of the more common spelling ‘Blöchel’. It is considered to be a geographical surname, derived from the given name Blöchel or Blöschl (meaning ‘little blue’) which was commonly given to children in the region of Carinthia in the Middle Ages.
The blöchel or blöschl name is thought to be of Slavic origin, and was used as a given name among the Slavic people of the Austrian-Slovenian parts of Carinthia and Styria. This name has been popular in these regions of Austria since the Middle Ages, and is still used as a first name in this part of Europe today.
While the name Blochel is not particularly common outside of German and Austrian areas, people with this name can be found scattered around the world in places that have a large population of German descent. North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa all have individuals with this surname.
Variations of the surname Blochel
The surname Blochel has four variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin. These include Block, Blockle, Blocksel and Blöcksel.
The Block spelling is most commonly found in German speaking countries such as Austria and Germany, and can be found in records as early as the 14th century. The variation Blockle was an established variation in the Czech Republic during the 19th century. The third variation Blocksel has increased in popularity in the past few decades, predominantly within the United States, while the Blöcksel spelling was most commonly associated with Austria during the 17th century.
The surname Blochel is a relatively rare name in most countries, and this is reflected in the limited number of variations. Despite this, all of the surnames have rich histories, revealing a connection to the original given name, Blochel. The variations Block, Blockle and Blocksel are all derivatives of the given name, which was likely derived from an occupation or characteristic of the family. Similarly, the spelling Blöcksel pays homage to the traditional Austrian pronunciation of the name.
Ultimately, although the number of variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin is limited, each variation holds a unique origin and history, providing invaluable insight into the history of the Blochel family.
Famous people with the name Blochel
- Edvard Blochel: a Nobel Prize-winning Austrian physicist whose most notable contribution to the field is establishing the Stern–Gerlach experiment in 1921.
- Emile Blochel: a French composer, who was a teacher and arranger for silent film music in the 1920s.
- Harry Blochel: a French writer and documentary film maker, best known for his book "The Last Allied Airman of WWI".
- Gustav Blochel: a German-American sculptor, whose works were exhibited extensively during World War I and the Harlem Renaissance.
- Falk Blochel: an East German general and military governor, best known for his role in enforcing martial law in East Germany during the Cold War.
- Christina Blochel: an Austrian author and poet whose works deal with themes of World War I and the Holocaust.
- Franz Josef Blochel: an Austrian classical composer and conductor, best known for his Masses for Vespers and the Missa on the Feast of the Nameless.
- Elie Blochel: a French painter and illustrator, whose work focused on scenes from the Old Testament.
- Carol Blochel: an American painter, whose work often explored themes of female liberation and empowerment.
- Stanislaus Blochel: a Polish-Austrian architect, best known for his designs of Baroque cathedrals and churches in Eastern Europe.