OPEL
Opel
Opel is a surname of British origin, derived from the Old English personal name Opel. The name Opel is believed to have originally been a pet form of Germanic names beginning with the element ot meaning "wealth, fortune".
Origin and Distribution
The surname Opel is relatively rare in the United Kingdom. It is most commonly found in regions with historical connections to Anglo-Saxon settlements, such as East Anglia and Mercia. The name has also been documented in other parts of the British Isles, albeit in smaller numbers.
Notable People
John Opel (1925-2011)
John Opel was an American businessman who served as the CEO of International Business Machines (IBM) from 1981 to 1985. Despite not being of British origin, his prominence in the corporate world has brought attention to the Opel surname.
Variants
Variants of the surname Opel include Ople, Opell, and Opelle. These variations may be the result of regional dialects or transcription errors over time.
References
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1995). A Dictionary of English Surnames.
- Hanks, P., & Hodges, F. (1988). A Dictionary of Surnames.
There are approximately 75 people named Opel in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Opel.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Jaswant
- Joerg
- Michael
- Rishi
- Surinder
Female
- Andrea
- Zamira