Surname Jekel - Meaning and Origin

Jekel: What does the surname Jekel mean?

The last name Jekel is of German origin, derived from the personal name Jeckyl, similar to Jakob or Jacob. The name Jekel likely originated in the region of Weimar, Germany, in the 14th century, when many of the earliest records began to be kept. Jekel is an occupational surname that was likely derived from one of the many medieval trades associated with the goat. In German, the word “jeck” means “goat herder”, while “Jakob” translates to “supplanter”. These words are considered core elements when examining the last name Jekel.

The surname Jekel is found in various records dating back to the 16th century. During this period, the Jekel family name was a prominent one, often found in rural parts of Bavaria, Austria, and Prussia. The Recorded Variations of Jekel are Jeckele, Jeckle, and Jeckel.

The Jekel family is largely associated with aristocracy and social stratification. Today, the name Jekel is found in numerous countries all over the world, with numerous individuals belonging to the same genealogical line.

The Jekel surname has a rich history and meaning, one that is so complex and detailed, that even after centuries of research, much of its origins still remain shrouded in mystery. With a deep connection to historical events and medieval traditions, the Jekel family is an important line in the history of Europe.

Jekel: Where does the name Jekel come from?

The last name Jekel is most common in German-speaking countries, especially in Germany and Austria, as well as in the countries of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia.

In Germany, more than 3,900 people have the last name Jekel. It is the 1,127th most common German surname. Similarly, in Austria it is the 562nd most common last name, with over 1,900 people having the name.

The spelling of the last name Jekel might be slightly different in other countries; for example in the Czech Republic it is spelled Jeckel or Jeckl.

The surname has been around since at least the 14th century and is derived from the given name Jakob. It is likely that all people with the Jekel surname today are descendants of the same family.

The name Jekel is also found in other countries outside of German-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Netherlands and Belgium. In the United States, there are over 1,800 people with the last name Jekel and it is the 10,245th most common last name.

Variations of the surname Jekel

The surname Jekel is most commonly found among German-speaking countries. The variants and spellings of this name vary depending on the geographic region. The most common variant of Jekel is Jeckel, but other spellings include: Jeckle, Jeckele, Jeckler, Yeckel, Yeckele, Yeckell, Yeckeller, Yeckelle, Yeckels, Ieckel, Ieckle, Ieckele and Ieckelle.

In Germany (where the name is most frequent), the surname Jekel is often spelled Jäkel. In Austria, it is spelled Jakl. Other European countries may spell it Jakle or Jackle.

In the United States, Jekel can also be transcribed phonetically as Jegel.

Jekel is also commonly interpreted as a surname derived from the Jewish given name Yekel. In this case, the variant spellings may also include Yechel, Yechele, Yechelman, Yechle and Yechling.

The surnames Jekel and Jeckel are both connected to the family of Isaac Jekel (or Jeckel), who was a Jewish Prayer leader in Prague in the 18th century. He is known to have had several descendants with the Jekel or Jeckel surname, who spread to Germany, the United States, and even the Netherlands.

Other variants and spellings of Jekel may also be connected to the Jekell, Jechl or Yechl family in Central and Western Russia. This family is known to have several descendants still bearing the surname Jekel, Jeckel or one of its variants up to this day.

In conclusion, the surname Jekel and its variants are most commonly associated with the German-speaking world, but can be found among some other European countries, the United States, and even Jewish families in Central and Western Russia.

Famous people with the name Jekel

• Jon Jekel: American actor, producer, and director, best known for his starring roles in movies 'Let's Go to Prison' and 'Employee of the Month'.
• Steve Jekel: Australian cinematographer and editor, whose works include 'Peter Pan' films and 'The Little Mermaid II'.
• Laura Jekel: British film and television producer and director. She produced 'Ride with the Devil' and 'The Devil's Own'.
• Julia Jekel: German wallpaper designer and artist, as well as a fashion illustrator, furniture designer, and photographer.
• Regina Jekel: Austrian actress, well-known for her roles in several movies, including 'Beloved Sisters' and 'The Brick House'.
• Carlos Jekel: Argentine musician of pop, funk, jazz, and Latin music genres. He has been honored with three Grammy nominations and has won numerous awards.
• Markus Jekel: German bassist and producer. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business, including U2, Lenny Kravitz, R.E.M., and more.
• Mike Jekel: Canadian actor and producer, best known for his role in the movie 'One More Time'.
• Christa Jekel: American fiction writer and journalist. Her books include 'Spies, Lies, and Private Eyes' and 'Just Like That'.
• Jan Jekel: Dutch artist and sculptor, specializing in stained glass. He is also a renowned teacher at the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague.

Other surnames

JekeliJekeliusJeker