Surname Engels - Meaning and Origin
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E. Engels
read moreEngels: What does the surname Engels mean?
Engels is a German and Dutch surname derived from the word Engel, meaning “angel” or “messenger.” Originating in the Holy Roman Empire, the name was likely bestowed upon people who exhibited “angelic” behavior, or who performed a special service or task. The surname has likely been in use since the 12th century, when medieval Latin names were common throughout Europe.
The surname Engels is associated not only with its original meaning of “angel” or “messenger,” but is also linked to the last name Angel (or Engel), and is closely related to other toponyms including Aengel, Engelin, Engelman, and Engelinck.
The most widely-known bearer of the surname is German philosopher Friedrich Engels. He collaborated with Karl Marx on the theoretical foundations of Karl Marx’s contributions to the development of modern socialism.
The surnames Engels, Engel, Aengel and Engelin are found throughout Europe in countries such as Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland and France, but are most heavily concentrated in the Netherlands and Germany.
Today, the surname Engels continues to perform its original duty of “messenger” or “angel”, with those that carry it continuing to serve those around them either through providing guidance, support, and/or a higher level of understanding.
Order DNA origin analysisEngels: Where does the name Engels come from?
The surname Engels is a common Dutch name, and is found primarily in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Scandinavian countries. The name is also present in some parts of the United States, particularly in ethnic Dutch communities in Michigan and the Midwest. Engels is derived from the Dutch term for English, and originally referred to people from England or spoke English, rather than those of English descent.
The most frequent use of the name Engels can be found in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands, particularly in the area around the towns of Harlem and Leiden. Elsewhere in the Netherlands, the name is present in the provinces of Flevoland, Gelderland, and Groningen. The name is also quite common in Belgium, with usage particularly concentrated in the provinces of Flanders and Limburg. In Germany one can find the name in the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Rhineland-Palatinate.
The Engels surname has also spread to many other countries, including the United States and Canada. In the United States, the name is present in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, California, and other states, particularly in areas which had a strong Dutch influence. The name has also spread to many other countries around the world, and is found in countries like Australia, Brazil, and Mexico.
Overall, the surname Engels is widespread throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and parts of the Scandinavian countries, as well as having a presence in the United States and several other countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Engels
The surname Engels is an anglicized spelling of a Germanic surname, which may have arrived in the British Isles from various European sources. Engel and Engle are the more common Germanic spellings of the name. Other common variants of the surname include Engles, Engless, and Englisch.
The surname Engel is also found in other European countries, with variant spellings including Engelman and Engelmann in Germany, Engelage in the Netherlands, Engelhaupt in Austria, and Engeli in Switzerland.
In some instances, the name has been further altered through the ages. For example, some families with the surname Engel may have taken on an additional name, such as Engelsman, Engler, Englerth, Engelbrecht, or Engelskirchen.
Other surnames that may be linked to the Engel name include Ambrose, Amrhein, Emrich, Emmrich, Emmel, and Immermann.
As the Engel name began to spread throughout Europe and beyond in more recent centuries, other forms of the name may exist in different countries or regions. Engelig, Englestad, and Engelter are examples of American variations of the surname.
In Latin America, languages such as Spanish and Portuguese may have influenced the surname's spellings, leading to names like Englesio, Englese, and Englez. A less common form of the surname, Engelhart, may also be found in some parts of South America.
Famous people with the name Engels
- Friedrich Engels: (1820-1895) German political theorist and entrepreneur, who co-published The Communist Manifesto with Karl Marx.
- Auguste von Bildersee-Engels: (1834-1918) German Suffragette and educator who was active in promoting women's rights.
- Sarah Engels: (1988) German singer, member of the pop music group Monrose.
- Maria "Mary" Cats-Engels: (1751-1822) Dutch writer, poet and book dealer who was well known in the period of literary Romanticism.
- Jean-Baptiste-Joseph Engels: (1801-1890) Belgian sculptor in the neoclassic style, with works exhibited at the ‘Exposition Universelle’ in Paris in 1889.
- Hal Engels: (1920-1999) American actor who was known for his role in television shows such as 'Christmas in Connecticut' and 'The Partridge Family'.
- Nikolaus von Engels: (1933) German Catholic theologian who was the President of the Central Committee of German Catholics from 1976 to 1994.
- Jürgen Engels: (1947) German philosopher and author, known for his book ‘The Philosophy of Ernst Cassirer’.
- Tess Engels: (2001) Dutch model, actress and television presenter, known for her role on the show 'Familie Kruys'.
- Max Engels: (1928-1997) German actor and film director, known for films such as 'Die Getrennten' and ‘Die Tryer'.