ENGEL
Engel
Etymology and Origins
Engel is a surname of German and Jewish origin. Derived from the Middle High German "engel," meaning "angel," the surname likely originated as a nickname given to someone with a particularly gentle or angelic demeanor. It may also have been used as a name for a person who performed plays or pageants featuring angels.
Distribution and Variants
The surname Engel is found predominantly in German-speaking regions, including Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It has also spread to other countries across Europe and the Americas due to migration and emigration patterns.
Variant spellings of Engel include Engels, Engell, and Engle.
Notable Bearers
The Engel surname has been borne by various notable individuals throughout history, including:
- Tony Engel (b. 1950) – A British composer known for his innovative contributions to contemporary classical music.
- Helen Engel (1912–2009) – A pioneering British artist who specialized in abstract painting and printmaking.
- Isaac Engel (1860–1930) – An influential Jewish theologian and scholar who made substantial contributions to the field of religious studies.
Coat of Arms
The Engel family coat of arms typically features heraldic elements such as angels, wings, and celestial motifs, reflecting the surname's connection to the concept of angels.
Legacy and Recognition
The Engel surname, with its angelic connotations, continues to be cherished by individuals and families who bear it. It is a reminder of the historical and cultural significance of names and their role in shaping individual and collective identities.
There are approximately 445 people named Engel in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Engel.
Religion of origin: Jewish
Language of origin: Hebrew
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Brian
- Christopher
- David
- James
- Lawrence
- Mark
- Max
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Barbara
- Cheryl
- Diane
- Elizabeth
- Grace
- Jennifer
- Joanna
- Karen
- Lily
- Lisa
- Natascha
- Pamela
- Rachel
- Suzanne