Surname Markeli - Meaning and Origin
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Markeli: What does the surname Markeli mean?
Markeli is an unusual last name of German and Jewish origin. It is generally thought to mean "copper or iron smelter" by its literal translation, although some sources suggest that it can also refer to one who was active in the ironwork of making or repairing weapons.
The Germanic root of Markeli, Marken, typically referred to someone who worked in a metal foundry or smelter. This might refer to a foundryman, blacksmith, or armourer, who made or repaired weapons. Alternatively, the name could be derived from the Middle High German marichen, meaning "man of iron," and so could denote smartness and courage.
Markeli is most commonly found in German-speaking countries and Jewish descendants of Eastern Europe. Many who bear the name are descended from Ashkenazi Jews, who began migrating to Central Europe around the 17th century. The Markeli family may have been among them, and can be found in the records of German-speaking countries and Jewish communities in Hungary, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries.
Markeli is a distinct and fascinating surname, and those who bear it can take pride in the strength and courage it has come to represent.
Order DNA origin analysisMarkeli: Where does the name Markeli come from?
The last name Markeli is most commonly found today in Eastern Europe. Specifically, it is found in Albania, Romania, and Slovakia. A variant spelling, Markely, is common in the United States.
The name Markeli is thought to have originated in the 12th century. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have come either from the French word marcel, meaning 'small hammer', or the Latin name Marcellus, which is derived from Mars, the Roman god of war.
The first mentions of the name Markeli or variations of it, such as Merkely and Markely, can be found in records from the 1500s. By the 1600s, the Markeli family had spread across Europe from Germany to Greece, and included Romania, Albania, Slovakia, and others.
Today, Markeli is a relatively common surname in Albania and Slovakia. It is also found in Romania and the United States. In all, the Markeli surname can be found in around 20 countries around the world.
Outside of Eastern Europe, the Markely and Merkely surname variants are more prominent in the United States, and can be found in states across the country.
Variations of the surname Markeli
Markeli is an uncommon name with several variants and other spellings. It is likely derived from a Polish surname, and can be spelled with a variety of variations including Markele, Marckele, Markule, and Makowiecki. Its Polish roots can be seen in variants such as Mareckiwicz, Marczykiewicz, and Marczali.
Markeli is a patronymic surname, meaning that it originated with a father's given name. Its root name is Marko, and several variations of the name have popped up over the centuries. Mark can be found as Marek, Mareslaw, Marko, Markovicz, Markelewicz, Marczali, and Marcak.
In some cases, the Markeli surname is a contraction of two other surnames: Marciniak and Kowalski. These two names can form Marckow, with the surname eventually evolving into Markeli.
The variants of the surname are suggestive of the mutability of surnames over the centuries. Spelling vacillated due to sound shifts and alterations of the alphabet during particular eras. In some cases, mistakes were made when writing or recording a name—a possibility made more likely due to the combination of multiple languages spoken in Eastern and Central Europe.
The spelling and use of the Markeli surname may vary in different countries. Some of its variations can be found in France, Hungary, Poland, and Russia.
Famous people with the name Markeli
- Darius Markeli: a renowned American fashion designer from the state of Georgia. He studied fashion design at the Georgia Institute of Technology and went on to become an influential figure in the fashion industry.
- Gabriela Markeli: a Brazilian model and actress best known for her roles in the films Luluzinha and Maravilhas do Interior. She has been featured in numerous magazines and has also walked the runway for some of the top fashion shows.
- Jack Markeli: German athlete, primarily known for his footballing talent. Having started his career in the lower divisions in Germany, he went on to represent clubs at the top level in the Bundesliga and in other European leagues.
- Marina Markeli: Russian scientist and businesswoman, known for being the first woman in her country to receive a full PhD in mechanical engineering. She is also the founder of several companies, and has been integral in pushing forward initiatives for women in science.
- Vincent Markeli: British artist and sculptor, famous for his bronze figures depicting everyday people going about their lives. His works are held in private collections all over the world.
- Elise Markeli: American painter, originally from the South of the United States. Known for her abstract expressionist style, she has been highly influential in the modern art world.
- Monica Markeli: international lawyer from Finland, praised for her proficiency in human rights & international law. She has written countless books on the subjects, and has shared her wisdom with the United Nations, amongst other international bodies.