Surname Mahl - Meaning and Origin
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Mahl: What does the surname Mahl mean?
The last name Mahl is derived from a Germanic language, and its literal translation is “reed” or “rushes". As a surname, this may have many meanings. During the Middle Ages, the Mahl surname may have indicated a family was from a marshy or wet region, likely along a riverbank, or one where rushes were known to grow.
Mahl is also thought to be an Anglicised version of various Germanic surnames beginning with ‘Maal’ or ‘Mahl’, such as Maalman, Maaler, Mahler and of course, Mahl. Aside from the obvious connotation of physical geography, the Mahl surname can also indicate other occupations, such as bakers or millers who tended to grind grain or spices.
Mahl is also an old Jewish surname, derived from the Hebrew name Malchi, which means “my Ruler” or “angel of God”. This could indicate a pious ancestor, or an individual of prominence in the community.
In some cases, Mahl may indicate a nickname that was given to an ancestor due to a defining physical or personality trait. For example, someone who was considered “soft-spoken” or “gentle”, may have been given the nickname Mahl.
Regardless of the origins, the surname Mahl is a proud and ancient one, stretching back for centuries and spanning many cultures, countries and languages.
Order DNA origin analysisMahl: Where does the name Mahl come from?
The last name Mahl is quite common in Europe. It is most commonly found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Scandinavia. In the Netherlands, it is the 96th most common last name and in Belgium it is the 162nd most common last name. It is believed to be of Germanic origin and is derived from the word "mahl", which means "meal".
In the United States, Mahl is ranked 15,121st in terms of the number of people carrying the last name. It is most popular in Minnesota, where it is the 3,687th most common last name. In other states, such as Nebraska and California, Mahl is far less common.
Mahl is also prevalent in the Middle East, particularly in the Arab countries of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, as well as in Israel. It is also found in Ethiopia, India, and South Africa.
On a global scale, Mahl is estimated to be the 187,231st most common surname in the world. It is most prevalent in the Netherlands, followed by Belgium, Sweden, Germany, and Indonesia.
Variations of the surname Mahl
The surname Mahl has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variations of the surname can be seen in many European countries, though the origins of the name remain uncertain.
One of the most common variations of Mahl is Mahlke, which is found most often used in Germany. This form of the surname is commonly found in northern Germany, including Hamburg and Hannover. In Polish records, the surname is often spelled Mahowski. Other variations of Mahl include: Mahlmann, Mahlberg, Mahlen, Mehlhose, Mahlau, Mahler, Mehlhorn, Mahlenhofer, and Mahlstedt.
In France, it is common to see the surname spelled Maule, Mal, or Mael. This French variation of the surname is thought to have originated in the north of the country, around Normandy and Picardy.
In Ireland, the surname is commonly seen as Mahon, though variations including Mawhinney and Mahan are also found. This variation of the surname is often linked to the Irish Gaelic name O Mathghamhna which translates as 'descendent of Mathghamhain', 'Mathghamhain' being an old Irish personal name meaning 'bear'.
Variations of Mahl also appear in many other countries across Europe. In Spain, for example, the surname is occasionally spelled Mahl or Mahlmann, with Mahlenhoff another variation used in the country. In Belgium, the surname sometime appears as Mahy, and in the Netherlands as Mael or Mahle. In Hungary, variants of the surname Mahl include Mahle, Mahlek and Mahlko.
Overall, there are many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Mahl found throughout Europe and beyond. Despite variations in spelling, Mahl is a widely used surname.
Famous people with the name Mahl
- Bill Mahl: Grammy Award-winning rock producer, songwriter, and musician.
- Joe Mahl: Dutch speed skater who won a gold medal in the 1,000-meter at the 1956 Winter Olympics.
- Jacques Mahl: French painter of portraits and landscapes.
- Franz Mahl: German watercolour painter in the 19th century.
- Bernd Mahl: Swiss footballer who was active in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Franz Mahl: German playwright, director, and theatre manager.
- Johan Mahl: Dutch rowing champion who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
- Émile Mahl: Belgian painter and engraver in the early 20th century.
- Isabelle Mahl: French sculptor who specialized in religious and mythology-inspired works.
- Gino Mahl: Dutch judoka who won two gold medals in the men’s open division at the World Masters Championship.