Engle
What is the origin of the last name Engle?
Meaning and origin
The last name Engle has its origins in Germany and the Netherlands. Derived from the Old High German word "engil" meaning 'angel,' it was likely an occupational surname either for someone who played the role of an angel in religious plays or for someone who had angelic qualities or a connection to the church. In the Netherlands, the name could have been a variation of the Dutch surname "Engels," which means 'English' and may have been used to identify someone from England or of English descent. Over time, the name Engle has spread across different regions and communities, maintaining variations in spelling and pronunciation.
The longer story
The last name Engle is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "enggilo," which means "angel." The surname ENGEL is found in German-speaking countries as well. Engle is a variant spelling of ENGEL, with the "e" being replaced by an "l." The name Engle may have originated as a patronymic or as a nickname for someone who had angelic qualities or behaved in a manner associated with angels.
The surname Engle has variations and alternative spellings, including ENGEL, ENGELS, Engle, ENGLES, ENGLAND, and ENGLEHART. These variations may be the result of phonetic changes, regional dialects, or individual preferences. The different spellings of the name Engle can make it challenging to trace specific family lineages and determine the exact origins of individuals with this surname.
Genealogical research of the Engle surname can be complex due to variations in spelling and the lack of comprehensive historical records. However, diligent research and the use of available resources such as census records, immigration records, and church records can provide valuable insights into individual family histories. Collaboration with other individuals researching the Engle surname can also enhance the accuracy and depth of family genealogy.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#1,866
Engle was the 1,866th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 19,226 people, about 6.2 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Engle
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Engle is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.