Surname Zapel - Meaning and Origin
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Zapel: What does the surname Zapel mean?
The surname Zapel is of German origin, with the first recorded use appearing in Germany in the 1300s. It is believed to have derived from the German word for the south wind, “Zapfelt,” and is associated with the occupation of wind farmers, who in the 1300s built windmills and collected wind fees. The Zapel family is linked to the noble houses of Hausmann and Haberman, made up of wealthy feudal lords in Germany.
The German Zapel family is an old and respected one, with the surname branching off into several sub-families living in countries including France, Italy, Hungary, and Switzerland, due to mass emigration in the 1800s.
The Zapel surname is indicative of the family’s strong ties to the land. It is seen as a way of honouring their deep roots in Germany and of connecting to their ancestors of the past. It symbolises their strength and courage in the face of adversity, as many had to uproot their lives and resettle elsewhere in order to survive. Even today, the Zapel family remains well-respected and highly regarded, with many still bearing the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisZapel: Where does the name Zapel come from?
The last name Zapel is a German surname that originates from the Middle East, mainly from present day Turkey and Syria. The name is derived from Zabīl, meaning "pavement" in Arabic. The name was adopted in German as a sign of respect for the people of the Middle East.
At present, Zapel is a relatively common surname in Germany, as well as in other countries in Europe, North America, and South America, primarily due to migration. In Germany, regions such as Berlin, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hamburg have a high population of Zapel families. Zapel is also a relatively common surname in Turkey and Syria, with a strong presence in Istanbul, Adana, and Mersin, with some individuals also present in the United States and Canada.
The existence of the surname on a global scale suggests that the Zapel surname has spread and gained acceptance due to global migration, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The spread of the Zapel surname and its continued presence today is a testament to the global reach of the Middle Eastern population during this period.
Variations of the surname Zapel
The surname Zapel is of German origin, with variants and spelling variations including Zappel, Zappell, Sappel, Sappell, Zappe, and Sapell. In addition, the surnames Zabel, Sabel, Sabell, and Sapol are believed to have the same origin as Zapel.
The origin of the surname Zapel is likely derived from German words and words from the Latin language. The German word 'zappeln' refers to someone who chatters or prattles on and likely served as the source of this surname. The Latin word 'sappalis' is connected to ‘sappalus,’a Latin word of unknown origin. The suffix of this word indicates that its origins may be related to a type of farming tool.
In addition, ‘zapfen’ refers to tapping or surfacing of a vein of metal or ore, while ‘sadel’ refers to a metal bar situated in the middle of a wheel for supporting loops and suspending chains. The similarity of all of the surnames suggests a possible overlap in the root origin of these surnames.
The recorded variations of the Zapel surname, such as Zabel, Sabel, and Sabell, demonstrate the evolution of the name over time and its influence throughout Europe. Originally an occupational name referring to metal labor, the name has since taken on various spellings and forms across from Europe.
Famous people with the name Zapel
- Allen Zapel: former Major League Baseball pitcher
- James Zapel: American swimming teacher
- Anna Zapel: German Paralympic swimmer
- John Zapel: Professional Bowlers Association bowler
- Adam Zapel: Professional Golfer
- Chuck Zapel: Major League Baseball infielder
- Joe Zapel: former NFL punter
- Matthew Zapel: former American professional ice hockey player
- Kelly Zapel: American soap opera actress
- Lindsay Zapel: German synchronized swimmer