Surname Mangels - Meaning and Origin

Mangels: What does the surname Mangels mean?

Mangels is an occupational surname, derived from the Old English ‘mann’ meaning 'man' and 'gel' meaning 'bootmaker' or 'horseshoe maker.’ It suggests that the original bearer of this name was a person who worked in metal, either as a smithy or a farrier. Mangels also appears in some German records, originating from the Middle High German ‘mangel’, a term for a type of a mechanical threshing device or roller. In addition, the surname exists in Dutch, Norwegian and Swedish records, and is thought to be derived from the Dutch word ‘mangelaar’, meaning ‘trades worker’.

The oldest record of this surname can be traced back to eastern Germany in the early 13th century, when Heinricus Mangeles was documented in 1248. Modern records indicate that it is most common in northern Germany, particularly in the area around Hamburg, in Bremen and Berlin.

As the Mangels surname spread to other parts of continental Europe, it also began to be used in Great Britain, where records of the name date back to the late 17th century. In the 18th century, it’s believed that large numbers of German immigrants to the United States adopted the surname Mangels. Today, the surname is commonly found throughout the US, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania.

The most famous bearer of the Mangels surname is Hollywood director Fritz Lang, who adopted the surname in the early 1930s. Since then, the moniker has become synonymous with his many acclaimed films.

Mangels: Where does the name Mangels come from?

The last name Mangels is a German-derived surname, whose origins are associated with a geographical area rather than a specific family. Today, it is most commonly seen in Germany, the Netherlands, and some other parts of northern Europe.

In Germany, the last name is spelled Mangel, and it is found in some rural parts of the country. Although the name appears to have originated in the medieval period, there is a specific, long-standing Mangel family whose records date all the way back to the 13th century in today's Lower Saxon region near the Weser River.

In the Netherlands, the name Mangels is often found in the regions near the German border, including the eastern provinces of Drenthe, Groningen, Friesland, and Overijssel. It is assumed that the Dutch variant of the name was adopted after German immigrants settled there in the 15th century.

The surname is also quite common in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. In all of these countries, the variants are Mangel and Mangelund - the latter being a combination of the Dutch and Norwegian word Mangel, meaning "string" or "thread". The use of the prefix "und" indicates a relationship between family members, suggesting common ancestry for Mangels within these countries.

Mangels is also found in the United States, especially among descendants of German-Netherland immigrants who settled in Texas, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest. It is often spelled Mangel, Mangelsdorf, and similar variations.

Variations of the surname Mangels

Mangels is a surname of Germanic/Flemish origin. It is derived from the Old German given name, 'Mangel' which means 'mighty spear' and was first used as a nickname for someone who was a powerful warrior.

Variants of the surname Mangels include Mangel, Mahngel, Mangeler, Mangale, Mangles, Mangler, Manglors, Mangleson, Mangleman, Mangelmann, Menegel, Managel, Maggles, Maggel, and Mangeles.

Spellings of the same origin include Mengel, Mengels, Mengles, Menglers and Mangolls.

Surnames related to Mangels are Mangol, Mankin, Manglethorn, Mansail, Mannes, Manges, Mangham, Mangler, and Mangleson.

The spelling of the surname Mangels and its variants can vary greatly depending on the region, local language, and dialect. Over the centuries, variations in spelling have occurred due to the pronunciation and interpretation of the name by those who heard it or recorded it.

Famous people with the name Mangels

• Belinda Mangels: Australian professional four-times silver Olympic medalist swimmer.
• David Mangels: American film director, writer, and editor.
• Dimitri Mangels: German actor.
• Helmut Mangels: German footballer and coach.
• Jürgen Mangels: German ski-jumper.
• Katja Mangels: German rhythmic gymnast.
• Otto Mangels: Danish soccer player.
• Paul Mangels: German soccer player.
• Dennis Mangels: American musician, singer, and songwriter.
• Lorene Mangels: American writer and social worker.
• Rocky Mangels: American professional wrestling manager.
• Will Mangels: American singer, songwriter, and YouTuber.
• Luke Mangels: Canadian actor and filmmaker.
• Emma Mangels: British actress and presenter.
• Cayley Mangels: Canadian track and field athlete.
• Kim Mangels: Dutch entrepreneur, business leader, and co-founder of ORTEC.
• Florence Mangels: Swiss musician and composer.
• Bill Mangels: American professional baseball player.

Other surnames

MangelMangelkramerMangelkrammerMangelsdorfMangelsdorffMangelsenMangerMangers