Surname Ringel - Meaning and Origin

How My iGENEA DNA Test Altered My Perception of 'Ringel' and My Heritage

Discovering the profound significance of my heritage and personal identity through the iGENEA DNA test challenged my preconceived notions and unveiled the rich tapestry of my past ancestors. The revelation put my unique lineage and surname, 'Ringel', into a larger context.

P. Ringel

Ringel: What does the surname Ringel mean?

The last name Ringel is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term "ringel," which means "ring" or "circle." It was likely initially a nickname or occupational name for a maker of rings, jewelry, or wreaths, or perhaps for someone who was identified by a notable ring they wore. As with many surnames, it may have also been a locational name for someone who lived near a circular landmark or geological feature. Over time, Ringel evolved to become a family surname. It is predominantly found in Germany, but it can be found among individuals of German ancestry worldwide. As with all surnames, it is important to note that the specific meaning can also depend on the family's own history and origin.

Ringel: Where does the name Ringel come from?

The last name Ringel is most commonly found today in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The name is also present in other parts of Europe, including Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, and Croatia. In the United States, the Ringel surname is most prevalent among people of German descent, with many individuals tracing their surname back to Europe.

The history of the Ringel surname can be traced back to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The earliest documented record of the Ringel surname can be found in an Austrian document from the late fourteenth century. During the fifteenth century, numerous references to the Ringel surname can be found in both Germany and Austria, primarily in the regions of Bavaria and Austria. In addition, records show that individuals with the Ringel surname immigrated to other European countries, including Hungary and the Netherlands.

In the United States, the Ringel surname is believed to have first been brought over by German immigrants in the 1600s. By the early 1900s, the Ringel surname had also spread to other parts of the US, including the Midwest and New England. In recent decades, many individuals with the Ringel surname have migrated to other countries, particularly Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Today, individuals with the Ringel surname are found primarily throughout Central and Eastern Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In each of these locations, the Ringel surname is most likely to be associated with people of German descent, though individuals of other ethnic backgrounds may also carry the surname.

Variations of the surname Ringel

Ringel is a surname found in many countries, mainly in Germany and Austria. The variants of this surname are Ringl, Ringele, Ringlhofer, Ringlein, Ringler, Ringles, and Ringelmann.

The spelling of the name can vary from country to country. In German speaking countries it is written as Ringel, while in English speaking countries it is usually written as Ringel. The surname can also be found as Ringle, which is the English version of the name.

In some cases, the name will appear with an extra ‘e’ at the end, spelling it as Ringele. This form of the surname is mainly used in Austria.

The surname can also be found as Ringlhofer when the individual is of Austrian origin. In Germany the surname is usually seen as Ringlein.

In some countries, such as Hungary, one can find the surname as Ringles. This variant is also seen in the United States.

Finally, the surname can be found as Ringelmann in some parts of Germany.

All in all, the surname Ringel is a common one found in many countries around the world. There are many different variations on the spelling and use of the name, from Ringel to Ringlein to Ringelmann. All of these variants are ultimately derived from the same root name.

Famous people with the name Ringel

• Reinhard Ringel: German mathematician, former full professor of mathematics at the Technical University of Graz.
• Andrea Ringel: German alpine skier, competed in the 1966, 1968 and 1972 Winter Olympic Games.
• Jill Ringel: American fine artist, recipient of numerous awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship.
• Christopher Ringel: American sculptor and multi-disciplinary artist, part of the 2016–2017 Mellon Studentship in the Humanities at the Smart Museum.
• Lisa Ringel: German writer, lecturer in creative writing at the University of Hildesheim.
• Solveig Ringel: German footballer, played for Turbine Potsdam from 2007–2009.
• Johannes Ringel: German football goalkeeper, played for Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
• Gaby Ringel: German jazz vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, known for her smooth singing style.
• Imre Ringel: Hungarian sculptor, created numerous figurative sculptures inspired by mythology and nature.
• Morris Ringel: American psychologist, professor emeritus at the University of Vermont, and member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Other surnames

RingeisenRingelerRingelheimRingelsRingeltaubeRingenRingenbergRingerRingeringRingermutRingermuth