Surname Gfell - Meaning and Origin

Gfell: What does the surname Gfell mean?

The surname Gfell is of German origin and is a variant spelling of Gfellner or Gfellhauer. In German language, ‘Gfell’ is derived from the word ‘gefelle’ which in turn comes from the old German ‘gafelin’, which has its origin in the Latin ‘gabella’ meaning tax. It may have referred to someone who collected taxes or was in charge of financial matters in a village or other feudal area.

An alternate theory suggests that Gfell might have its origin in the German word ‘gählen’ which translates to ‘twin’. This could indicate two brothers or other relatives with the same surname.

Gfell is a rare surname. In 2001, the surname was reported by 7 people in Germany. In the United States, only 3 out of 1000 people have the last name Gfell, making it an extremely rare and uncommon surname. The name is mostly found in Austria, Germany and the United States.

The Gfell surname is believed to be a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from a personal name or called a ‘naming’ family name. Patronymic surnames are often the most common type of surnames in many cultures around the world. The surname Gfell has also been recorded in various forms throughout its history such as Giefel, Geffel, and Gieffell.

Overall, the surname Gfell might have derived from either taxes or twins but is mostly associated with being a patronymic surname that is derived from a personal name. It is a rare surname, mostly found in Austria, Germany and the United States.

Gfell: Where does the name Gfell come from?

The last name Gfell is most commonly associated with German and Swiss ancestry. Historically, the Gfell served as labor and farmer families throughout the 16th century when they migrated from Germany to the Tyrol region of Austria, and to Switzerland. Today, Gfells can be found mostly in Austria and parts of Germany. The majority of the population of Gfell individuals lives in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg in Germany, and Vorarlberg in Austria. Other smaller concentrations of Gfell populations can be found in Switzerland and other parts of Europe, as well as in North America.

The Gfell name is most likely derived from the baptismal name “Gofried”, with the ending “fell” suggesting a location or region of origin. Today, Gfell individuals and families are scattered across many parts of the world and have many different occupations. Some have become successful business people, while others have become teachers, musicians, artists, and scientists.

In general, those who still carry the Gfell surname are proud of their heritage, and many have worked to maintain the customs and traditions of their ancestors. Few understand the origin of their last name, but many see it as a special legacy that connects them across time and generations.

Variations of the surname Gfell

Gfell is an unique and rare surname of German origin and has several alternate spellings and variants as well as surnames that are derivatives of the same root.

The most common spelling of the surname includes Gfell and Gehfel, the former being more identical to the root word “Gfeil.”

Several variations include Gafel, Geffel, Gaffel, Gefal, Gefell, as less well as Geffell, Gefall, Jafel, and Jefel.

The surname can also be spelled Gefell, Gaffel, Gfeller, and Gfeller.

Some derivatives of Gfell include Göhfeld, Göphfel, Gehfeder, Gehfell, Gehfeler, Gepfel, Gueffel, Gufel, Guefel, Gueffels, and Gufeller.

In some areas, Gfell surname is also found to contain translation variants such as Boehm/Böhm and Kessler– meaning yeoman or farmer, and Küchenmeister– meaning kitchen master.

The Gfell surname has developed in Germany, the United States, and other countries around the globe. Those bearing the Gfell surname are most likely descendants of the German immigrants who settled in North America.

Famous people with the name Gfell

• Dave Gfell: American football quarterback and coach
• Dan Gfell: US Soccer player
• Mike Gfell: Professional boxer
• Ashley Gfell: Actress and model
• Casey Gfell: Professional golfer
• Diana Gfell: Academy Award-winning actor
• Mark Gfell: Music producer and songwriter
• Paul Gfell: Chess Grand Master
• Rick Gfell: MLB All-Star player
• Sarah Gfell: Multi-talented recording artist

Other surnames

GfellerGfellner