Surname Eppel - Meaning and Origin
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Eppel: What does the surname Eppel mean?
The last name Eppel is thought to have originated in Germany, where it is a topographical name for someone who hailed from a village called Eppel. The name could also have originated from regions in Austria and Switzerland.
In Germany, Eppel is derived from the Old High German word “eppil” meaning “apple tree”. Therefore, a literal translation of the name Eppel would be “from the apple tree,” or one who lived near an apple tree.
The surname was likely derived from a much earlier name borne by a person living in a region known as the apple ground, or possibly even from a place name derived from the German word for apple.
Today, the Eppel surname is most common in Austria and Germany, but it is also found in Switzerland, Hungary, and other parts of central and eastern Europe.
Although the exact origin of the Eppel surname remains a mystery, it is certain that this surname is a reminder of the Germanic roots of central and eastern Europe today. The surname reminds us of the Germanic legacy that exists across Europe today and is a glimpse into the past.
Order DNA origin analysisEppel: Where does the name Eppel come from?
The last name Eppel is primarily concentrated in Germany, where it is estimated that there are around 4,600 people who bear the name. The highest density of people with the name Eppel in Germany is in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. The name is also relatively common in Austria, and to a lesser extent in Switzerland.
Eppel is historically thought to originate from Northern Germany or Denmark. There are records as far back as the 1800s that suggest the first members of the Eppel family were of Danish or Northern German descent.
The last name Eppel may also be found in Brazil, due to large scale German immigration to the country. Some branches of the Eppel family settled in other countries with the passing of time, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, France, and even Argentina.
Within Europe, people with the last name Eppel are most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name has become more widespread due to emigration to other countries. However, it is still most prominent in areas of Europe where Germanic ancestry is strong.
Variations of the surname Eppel
The surname Eppel is of German origin and is derived from the German word "eppen" meaning apple tree or apple tree-lined property, suggesting that its original bearers were likely descendants of those who owned apple orchards. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Epstein, Eppelein, Epple, Epplen, Epplener, Epplenberg, Eppelheimer, and Eppler.
Epstein is the most common variant of the surname, derived from the Middle High German "ebbes-stein" meaning "stone of the apple tree". Many variants descend from this form, such as Eble, Eblen, Eblein and Ebler, although the additional letters of the additional letters are merely the result of phonetic variation.
Eppelein is the oldest recorded form of the name, derived from the Middle High German word "ebelin" meaning "apple-rich". This version has been found in many records since the tenth century, suggesting that it was in used in the region for many years. Other spellings such as Epple and Epplen include additional letters for phonetic reasons, but all are direct variants of the older form.
Epplener and Epplenberg are variations of the name based on the Germans habit of attaching locations to surnames. For example, someone from an area known for its apple trees could adopt the name Epplener as a surname, while one from a nearby village could add the name Epplenberg.
Eppelheimer and Eppler are also variants of the surname derived from the German word "Eppler" meaning "dweller by the apple tree". The use of the word "heimer" or "er" to indicate location is common with German surnames, which suggests that these versions may have emerged in regions with a long history of apple cultivation.
Famous people with the name Eppel
- Albert Eppel: An Austrian Emeritus Mathematical Electronics Professor and former President of the Austrian Academy of Science.
- Stuart Eppel: Australian actor most notably known for his roles in Snowy River: The McGregor Saga and Flipper.
- Petra Eppel: Austrian Polar Scientist, Climate & Energy Expert studied the effects of global climate change on permafrost and the mountain systems of the Polar Regions.
- Anina Eppel: Austrian psychiatrist, psychotherapist and former Catholic nun.
- Airton Eppel: Brazilian professional footballer who played for three major Brazilian teams.
- Arno Eppel: German Bug Doctor and author of over 50 publications on entomology and zoology.
- Rikard Eppel: Swedish musician and author of a number of symphonic musical compositions.
- Amy Eppel: American Partner at Thompson Hine LLP, specialising in Environmental law.
- Robert Eppel: Australian CEO of a racecar team, instructor & coach on high performance racing, and chairman of the Victorian Institute of Sporting Industry.
- Claude Eppel: French writer and philosopher, known for his works on the human experience.