Surname Funkl - Meaning and Origin
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Funkl: What does the surname Funkl mean?
Funkl is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "funkal" meaning "family". This surname was most likely given to families originally from a town known as Funk or a group of people related to the same ancestor.
The first recorded use of the surname Funkl dates back to the 12th century, when a Radolf Funkhauser was mentioned in a document during the reign of King Adolf II of Germany. In the centuries that followed, Funkl continued to be a common surname in regions of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The modern meaning of the surname Funkl remains similar to its original meaning. Today, it is often used as a surname to denote families whose roots can be traced back to Germanic lands as well as other parts of Europe.
Funkl is a rare surname and is becoming even rarer due to its diminishing use. However, its original meaning remains, representing a sense of family unity, community and strength. To those with the surname, it is often a point of importance and honour, emphasising their family history and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisFunkl: Where does the name Funkl come from?
The last name Funkl is most prevalent in the German-speaking region of Europe. The name is most common among Germans, Austrians, and Swiss. It is thought to have originated as a nickname given to someone who was known for a particular skill that differentiated them from others, such as a dancing ability or an interest in music.
The name is found particularly commonly in the regions of Bavaria and Thuringia in Germany, where around 1 in 5000 people today are called Funkl. The numbers are much lower elsewhere in Europe as well as in other countries.
Further afield, the last name is also found among those with German ancestry in other countries, with several hundred individuals living in the USA, Canada and Australia carrying the name today. Amongst Germanic speaking population groups, the name is uncommon but still exists in the Scandinavian countries as well as in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
The current generation of Funkls trace their ancestry back to their German origins. Though sometimes spelled differently, this surname has an unbroken family pedigree, making them an important part of Germany's history.
Variations of the surname Funkl
The surname Funkl is derived from a Slavic language and has various spellings and variants. It is primarily a Germanic surname, although it can be found across Europe and in the U.S.A.
Common spellings of the Funkl surname include Funkel, Funckl, Fincke, and Fonck, while variant spellings include Funckel, Funkle, Funcke, Funcken, Funckell, Funckelle, and Fingke.
In Germany, the variants Funckle and Fingke are most commonly found, while the variants Funkle and Fonck are more common in Austria. In England, the variant Funckl is more commonly found, as is Funckel.
The surnames Fickel, Ficker, and Finke are derived from funkle but are found primarily in Germany and the surrounding countries.
Finally, some other variant names include Fonkle, Foncks, Fonke, Foncken, Fonckle, Fonkel, and Fonckelle.
All of these surnames and variants are derived from funkle, and all have the same origin.
Famous people with the name Funkl
- George Clinton: George Clinton is an American singer, songwriter, band leader, and record producer. He is best known as the principal architect of the P-Funk sound.
- Bobby Funk: Bobby Funk is an American professional golfer, best known for playing on the Champions Tour.
- Stephanie Funk: Stephanie Funk is a German former Nordic combined skier who competed from 2004 to 2013.
- Mary M. Funk: Mary M. Funk was an American church worker who held a number of positions in the Church of the Brethren during the 20th century.
- Sophia Funk: Sophia Funk is an American television personality. She is best known for playing the role of Nicole on the Netflix series The Big Show Show.
- Chuck Funk: Chuck Funk is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as the Funker.
- David Funkhouser: David Funkhouser is an American historian and archaeologist who has excavated and researched sites in the Middle East.
- Dave Funk: Dave Funk is an American politician. He is the former mayor of Des Moines, Iowa, having served from 2004 to 2012.
- Lev Funk: Lev Funk was a Russian-Jewish revolutionary anarchist and active participant in the Haymarket affair.
- Dudu Funk: Dudu Funk is a Brazilian composer, keyboardist and percussionist. He is best known for his work with many samba groups, including Asa de Águia and Fundo de Quintal.