FRANKEL
Frankel
Origin and Meaning
Frankel is a surname of German and Jewish origin, derived from the German word "frank" meaning "free" or "open," and the suffix "-el" which is a common element in Jewish surnames. The name likely originated as a nickname or surname for someone who was free-spirited or open-minded.
History
The surname Frankel is believed to have originated in Germany, where it was commonly found among Jewish communities. Jewish families with the Frankel surname migrated to various countries over the centuries, including the United Kingdom.
In Britain, the Frankel surname may have been borne by Jewish immigrants who arrived in the country during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking refuge from persecution in Eastern Europe. These immigrants often anglicised their surnames to better assimilate into British society.
Notable Individuals
One of the most well-known bearers of the Frankel surname is Sir Henry Cecil, a prominent British racehorse trainer who achieved considerable success throughout his career. Cecil's most famous horse, Frankel, was named after the surname and went on to become one of the greatest racehorses in history, winning 14 out of 14 races.
Modern Distribution
Today, the Frankel surname can be found across the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. Many individuals with the surname Frankel have made notable contributions in various fields, including academia, business, and the arts.
Variants
Variants of the Frankel surname may include Frankle, Frankell, and Franckel. These variations reflect the diverse ways in which the surname has evolved over time and as families moved to different regions.
References:
- Beider, A. (2005). A dictionary of Jewish surnames from Galicia. Avotaynu.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 695 people named Frankel in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,749th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Frankel.
Religion of origin: Jewish
Language of origin: Hebrew
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Benjamin
- David
- Jeremy
- Jonathan
- Joseph
- Mark
- Maurice
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Richard
Female
- Annie
- Elizabeth
- Esther
- Eva
- Hannah
- Helen
- Katherine
- Linda
- Lindsay
- Lisa
- Miriam
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Tara
Similar and related surnames
- Fraenkel
- Francek
- Franca
- Franke
- Frankeli
- Fraenkl
- Franceis
- Franck
- Francke
- Franckel
- Franek
- Franel
- Frank
- Franka
- Frankal
- Frankam
- Frankau
- Frankein
- Frankeiss
- Frankell
- Franken
- Franker
- Frankes
- Frankfield
- Frankie
- Frankies
- Frankl
- Franklan
- Frankle
- Frankley
- Frankln
- Frankly
- Franks
- Franzel
- Frenkel
- Frenkiel
- Francese
- Francess
- Franckeiss
- Francken
- Francks
- Frankental
- Franki
- Franklain
- Franklen
- Franko
- Franksen
- Franquet
- Frenkler
- Frankland
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.