Surname Feil - Meaning and Origin
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Decoding Origins of Surname Feil: Insights from My iGENEA DNA Test Experience
After undergoing a DNA test at iGENEA, my understanding of my lineage has expanded. The precise scientific process behind the test enlightened me on my genetic composition and origin of my surname 'Feil'. This was thanks to the combined autosomal, Y-DNA, and mt-DNA tests each revealing a unique aspect of my heritage.
E. Feil
read moreFeil: What does the surname Feil mean?
The last name Feil is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German phrase "von veile," which means "from the vale or lowland." It is a topographic name referring to someone who had originally lived in a low-lying area. The name is most common in southwestern Germany, which is an area that boasts many large valleys. It is also found in several other countries, including Austria and Switzerland.
The Feil surname is also associated with several different variations in spelling, each with its own nationality and geographic origins. Variations include Fahle, Fahl, Faile, Feyhl, Fehl, Fel, Faul, and Vail.
As far as the meaning of the name is concerned, it could mean either "valley-dweller," or someone who hails from a lowland area, or it could also be associated with various other words. In German, the word "vail" means "people who raise animals”. Likewise, "far" means "horse driver,” which could have been an occupation held by those with the Feil surname.
Aside from the geographical and occupation-related significance of the name, there may also be symbolic meaning behind the last name. Since the name is associated with valleys, it could relate to a low point in life, such as a period of hardship or suffering.
Overall, the last name Feil has a long and varied history with many possible significances. Whether it is related to geographical origins, occupation, or symbolism, it is an interesting piece of our family's heritage that is sure to be remembered for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisFeil: Where does the name Feil come from?
The last name Feil is most commonly found in Germany, where it is the 77th most common surname. It is particularly prevalent in the west and south-west of the country and in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg. Feil is also present in Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Czech Republic. This name is also found in the USA, where it is more common on the east coast and tends to be concentrated in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It is a relatively uncommon name in England, but there are some small pockets of slightly higher occurrences in the areas of East Anglia and Yorkshire.
The origin of the name Feil is unclear, though one source claims that it could be a variant spelling of the name Fehr, which is thought to be a nickname meaning “knight” in Middle High German. Alternate spellings of the name include Feile, Feihel, and Feyell. It is predominantly Jewish in origin, though there are some examples of it being used by non-Jewish families.
Variations of the surname Feil
The surname Feil is derived from the German word "Fähle," which translates to mean "digger" or "channeler" in English. The name is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The variants and spellings of Feil often depend on the region it is found. In German-speaking regions, the variations may include Fähle, Feyhl, Fehle, Feil, Feile, Fuhl, and Fuhle. Outside of German-speaking countries, the surname may be found in its anglicised form as Fail or Feil.
Surnames of the same origin as Feil include the German Fähling, Fählemann, and Fähler, which literally mean "digger," "digger-man," and "channeler" respectively. In Sweden, the variants and related surnames often appear as Fahl and Fahlman, or Fahlmann in its more modern spelling. In Portugal, the surname is commonly found in its equivalent form, Feio, and other spellings such as Feijó might be found in older records.
The variants of Feil are found throughout Europe, some of which have developed into their own distinct surnames, such as Fáel (Irish), Veglia or Veillia (Italian), Valo (Finnish), Vele (Croatian) and Faaij (Dutch). Other, less common, formats of the name may include Fei, Feiß, Fiel, Fil, and Fael.
Regardless of the spelling, all surnames of Feil origin can be linked back to a common ancestor of a professional digger or channeler.
Famous people with the name Feil
- Eric Feil: German Politician
- Bill Feil:Outside Linebacker in the National Football League
- Emilia Feil: American Actress
- Reichardt Feil: Painter and Sculptor from Germany
- Arnold Feil: German Referee
- George M. Feil: American Politician
- Johann Christoph Feil: German Poet
- Felix Feil: German Painter
- James A. Feil: American Politician
- Frédéric Feil: French Physician and Surgeon
- John B. Feil: American Politician
- Rob Feil: American Actor
- Thomas A. Feil: American Politician
- Sylvester J. Feil: American Politician
- Johann Christian Feil: German Composer