Surname Gabel - Meaning and Origin
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Embarking on a journey back in time with iGENEA, the writer discovers a deep-rooted ancestry associated with the surname Gabel, transforming mere curiosity into an emotional expedition that encompasses surprise, excitement, pride, and overwhelming enlightenment.
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read moreGabel: What does the surname Gabel mean?
The last name Gabel is of German origin, and it translates to “fork” in English. The name is believed to have evolved from an occupational surname for someone who made or sold forks or possibly for someone who used a fork-like tool in their trade. Gabel might also have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a fork in the road or a river. The use of such topographic or occupational names was common in Europe during the Middle Ages when people began to move greater distances from their original homesteads and needed a way to identify themselves. Another possible origin of Gabel could be from a nickname based on the creature's forked tail, as in some regions of Germany, 'gabel' is used to refer to a magpie. Like many surnails, interpretations of original meanings can vary and these are speculative based on historical and linguistic data.
Order DNA origin analysisGabel: Where does the name Gabel come from?
The surname Gabel is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "gabel" meaning "fork". This was often a metonymic occupational name for someone who made or used forks, or a topographic name for someone who lived by a fork in the road or river. The name could also have been used for someone who worked at a customs house or toll-gate, as the word “gabel” was also associated with customs duties, and hence with the fork-shaped pole which signified a place of customs collection.
Today, the surname Gabel is most common in the United States, specifically in the state of California, but it is also found frequently in Germany. Additionally, people with the Gabel last name can be found in Canada, Australia, and several other countries in smaller numbers. The variations of the surname, Gabler and Gable, are also somewhat prevalent.
Variations of the surname Gabel
The surname Gabel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German term "gabel" meaning a fork. It may have served as a nickname or occupational name for someone who made or used forks. The name has numerous variants including Gabler, Gabl, Gable, and Gobeil (French).
A few other versions influenced by regional dialects and local languages across Europe have also been recorded over time and across different countries. For instance, in Denmark, the surname can be seen as Gabell, Gabels, or Gables. In Sweden, spelling variations include Gabell or Gabillon.
Surnames similar to Gabel, potentially derived from the same root, include the Austrian Grabler, the French De Gobele, and the Italian Gavelli. These may potentially belong to the same origin as they are based on the general theme of 'fork'.
Apart from these, Americanized versions of the surname include Cable, Cabel, or Kable. It's important to note that while these share the phonetic pronunciation they may not necessarily share the same origin as Gabel.
In the Jewish Ashkenazic community, Gabel is a metronymic from the female personal name Gebele, a pet form of Geba.
Famous people with the name Gabel
- Elyes Gabel: An English actor known for his roles in "Game of Thrones", "Body of Proof", and "Scorpion".
- Chris Gabel: An American baseball player in the minor league system of the Texas Rangers
- Alexander Gabel: A German trampolinist who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
- John G. Gabel: An American blind sportsman, lawyer, and founder of the United States Braille Chess Association.
- Annette Gabel: A German high jumper who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
- Martin Gabel: An American actor, director, and producer.
- Zoe Gabel: A New Zealander rower who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Arlene Francis (born Arlene Francis Kazanjian): Martin Gabel's wife, an American actress, radio and television talk show host, and game show panelist, known for her long-standing role as a panelist on the television game show "What's My Line?".
- Lois Andrews (born Lorraine Gabel): An American actress primarily known for her film roles in the 1940s.