Surname Spanagel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Spanagel: What does the surname Spanagel mean?
The last name Spanagel is of German origin and has an interesting meaning. It is derived from the Old High German words "span" and "ahha", which literally translate to "wide" and "open". This hints that the name is probably associated with someone who is open to new experiences and ideas. In general, the surname suggests an outgoing, sociable person who is hospitable and ready for new challenges.
The name Spanagel also contains the German word "engel" - angel. This gives the surname a spiritual element, suggesting that the person bearing this name is noble, kind, and generous. The angel-like qualities that this surname posseses make it a good fit for names of those in the service industry, such as teachers, pastors, or social workers.
Though this surname has a deep-rooted history in German culture, it can be found all over the world today. People of many different nationalities, religions, and cultures bear this name as a reminder of their shared ancestry - together, they honor the name's perseverance and strength throughout the ages.
Order DNA origin analysisSpanagel: Where does the name Spanagel come from?
The last name Spanagel is found predominantly in Germany. It is most common in the Central and Western regions of the country, particularly in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also present in parts of Hesse and Bavaria.
The origin of the name is said to come from a Roman soldier of the third century called Spanagio who was born in the Rhineland. The name was also kept alive by the Spanagel family of medieval Germany.
The last name Spanagel is also to be found in the United States. Many emigrants from Germany, bearing the surname Spanagel, found themselves in the US in the 19th and early 20th centuries. A large concentration of Spanagels is to be found in the state of Ohio, where the large German-American population of that state was established in the late 1840s. Today, many immigrant families of German origin, spanning several generations, are to be found in Midwestern America.
More recently the name Spanagel has spread to Canada and Australia, as more Germanic migrants have sought new opportunities.
In terms of the population density and global reach, the name Spanagel is today mostly to be found in Germany.
Variations of the surname Spanagel
Spanagel is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the Old German word “span” meaning “a splinter” and “angil” meaning “hook.” The combination of these two words, Spanagel, essentially translates to “hooked splinter.”
The surname has several variants, spellings and surnames from which it could have been derived from. One variant is Spanangle with the additional l. This spelling also appeared in early records from Bavaria. Spellings such as Spangel, Spanigle or Spangl are also found in early German records of the surname.
Other surnames which are believed to be derived from Spanagel include Spano, Spane, Spaner, Spaniche, Spanief, Spaniff, and Spanigel. Variants of the surname have also been found in the United States such as Sponagle and Sponogel.
The number of spelling variations for Spanagel is relatively small due to the simplicity of the origin of the name. It is primarily found in German-speaking countries, although some of its variants can be traced back to other countries as well.
Famous people with the name Spanagel
- Paul Spanagel: German figure skater. Competed in the 1976 and 1980 Winter Olympics.
- Christin Spanagel: German hurdler and triple jumper. A silver medalist at the 1987 World Championships.
- Dr. Rutger Spanagel: Neuroscientist and Professor of Psychopharmacology at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim-Germany.
- Heidi Spanagel: German professional cyclist. Competed for the team EC Badensee during her career.
- Kaj Spanagel: Danish cross-country skier. Represented Denmark at the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics.
- Uwe Spanagel: German football manager and former player. Coached the FSV Salmrohr in Germany’s Regionalliga Südwest in the 2017–18 season.
- Rik Spanagel: Dutch right-handed pitcher. Played for the Oranje Zebra's in the Dutch Major League.
- Alex Spanagel: American business executive and entrepreneur. Co-founder of the Oracle Corporation.
- Sonja Spanagel: German footballer. Plays for Herforder SV in the Women's Oberliga Westfalen.
- Ileana Spanagel: Romanian actress. Starred in the 2006 comedy “Un etaj mai jos”.