Surname Funkel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Funkel: What does the surname Funkel mean?
The last name Funkel is of German origin, derived from the German word “funken” which means “spark”. This name would have referred to someone who was fast or active, often used as a nickname or pet form of the original name.
Funkel may have also been associated with a nickname given to an industrious and hardworking individual. As work in medieval Europe was often done with tools, a person known to use tools effectively may have earned the surname Funkel. In this case, the family name could have evolved to mean “the one who sparkles”.
In modern day, the last name Funkel is still mostly associated with Germany, but there are variations of the name found in other countries, such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria. In some places, the name is spelled as Fonkel or Fünkel.
Overall, the name Funkel is associated with strength, energy, and industriousness. It is a surname that has been passed down for generations and is still recognized in many countries today.
Order DNA origin analysisFunkel: Where does the name Funkel come from?
The last name Funkel is believed to be of German origin. It is most commonly found in parts of Germany, including the cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt. It is also found in other German-speaking countries, including Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Outside of Germany, Funkel is mainly found in the United States, primarily in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, where it is the 12,578th most common last name. It is also found in other parts of the US, including California, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, the name is most commonly found in Ontario and British Columbia.
In terms of ancestry, Funkel is associated most closely with Ashkenazi Jews from Central and Eastern Europe, though it can also be found as a name among the larger German population. It likely comes from the German word for “bright, shining”.
It is difficult to tell how many people still bear the name Funkel today, though it is still a relatively common last name. As more records and databases become available, it may be possible to pinpoint more closely how many people with the last name Funkel currently exist in Germany, the US and around the world.
Variations of the surname Funkel
The surname Funkel is of German origin and has many variants, spelling variations and surnames of the same origin. Funkel is the most common spelling, but there are also numerous other variations. Examples include Funck, Funcke, Funcken, Funeking, Funcl, Fuengler, Fungeler, Finkler, Finkl, Finner, Fink, Finkeln, Finkel, Feuker, Feuk, Feugel, Feudel, Fennig, Fennel, Fenkel, Funckenhauser, Funckelman, Funckenheimer, and Funckelmann.
The surname Funkel comes to us from an old German word 'Funckel', which was used to refer to a watchman. This was likely the occupation of the original bearer of the surname. It is also possible that the name was derived from the German term 'Funken', which refers to sparkles or glimmers of hope.
Today, Funkel is a popular surname throughout Germany. It can also be found in many other countries around the world, particularly those with German or Jewish immigrant populations. It is likely that some funkel family lines have adopted other forms of the surname, such as Finkley or Finckel.
Funkel is a name that evokes strength, steadfastness, and devotion. Today, there are many generations of Funkels carrying it proudly, and their legacy of loyalty will live on for many years to come.
Famous people with the name Funkel
- Richard Funkel: Belgian football player and former manager.
- David Funkel: Israeli football player and former manager.
- Fred Funkel: American actor known for playing comedic roles.
- Matt Finklestein: American football player who was the top punter for Davidson College from 2015-2017.
- Philippe Funck: French painter and sculptor.
- Annie Funke: American actress, best known for her roles in Pitch Perfect 2 and Hamilton.
- Julien Funck: French skater and former member of the French National Skate Team.
- Bobby Funkel: former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Marteen Funkel: Dutch sculptor.
- Florence Funkarder: Swiss actress known for her roles in the German television series Tatort and Der letzte Bulle.