Surname Model - Meaning and Origin
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Model: What does the surname Model mean?
The last name Model is a German surname derived from the Middle High German term “modal”, which means “young one.” This term likely originated as an occupational name for a young servant in a monastery or estate. Over time, the term has evolved to become more widely used as a surname, likely indicating that the family that carried it generations ago had some sort of service connection.
The meaning of the surname can vary depending on geographical region, as well as time period. In some areas, the name Model may simply refer to someone who enjoyed or followed certain activities, such as art or music. In other areas, the name Model may indicate a line of ancestry traceable all the way back to an influential or powerful individual.
Historically, the surname Model is widespread throughout Germany, with many cities having a significant population that shares this surname. Additionally, it has spread to Austria and Switzerland, and there are a notable number of people in the United States who trace their ancestry back to this surname.
Aside from its geographical variety, the surname Model can also refer to a variety of occupations. Typically, the term would be used to refer to a farmer or landowner, a weaver, or a worker in a mill. In some cases, it may refer to someone associated with handicrafts or commerce, such as selling or trading goods. Regardless, the term Model can refer to someone with a connection to making a living or having authority over land and possessions.
Overall, the surname Model is a common Germanic surname with a variety of meanings and connotations. Its original intended use as a descriptor may have diminished over the years, but it still serves as a reminder of its occupants’ backgrounds and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisModel: Where does the name Model come from?
The last name Model is most commonly found today in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Israel. It is also present in other countries, including Austria, Hungary, Poland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European countries.
The origin of the last name Model can be traced back to Germany, where it first appeared in medieval documents as a reference to a worker or a simple man. It could also be a nickname derived from the Middle High German word "möbel" meaning furniture or equipment. Alternatively, the surnames could be related to the Yiddish word "modl", which refers to protoplasm.
The last name Model can be found in many variations, such as Modl, Modli, Moydl, Modal, Model, Medel, and Modell. In Germany, the most common variant is Moderl. It appears more frequently in the Czech Republic. In the United States, the Model name is more often spelt Modeli or Modeli.
The Model surname is shared by many famous people, including Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Modell, American actor Jonny Model, and Swedish diplomat Herman Model. In recent times, the Model name has been seen in prominent figures such as Romanian singer and Eurovision star Mihai Modal, Israeli actor Ben Modell, and American visual artist Charlotte Modell.
Variations of the surname Model
The surname Model (and variants such as Modell, Modle, Modlich, and Modlinski) is of German origin and is believed to come from a place called Modlau. This town is located in modern day Poland, and traces of the name were found in numerous documents of the 14th and 15th centuries.
The alternate forms of the surname Model which have been found in records from different parts of Europe over the centuries include Modell, Modle, Modlich and Modlin. The most common variant is Modell/Modle, which is most commonly found in the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States; they can be found in records from as early as 1336. It is unclear whether or not the additional variants Modlich/Modlinski are distinct surnames or variants of Modell/Modle.
The earliest variants of the Model surname found in records from Germany include Model (1314), Modeler (1340), Moteland (1465), Motoeller (1487), and Madeland (1571). These variants of the surname Model are now found in Germany, Poland, England, France and the Netherlands.
Variants of Model are found in other languages as well. In Dutch, the surname is spelled Modelle, and in French, it is Modèle. Additionally, the surname Modla can be found in Polish records.
Overall, the surname Model can be found in many different forms and languages. While the original town the surname derived from is unclear, it can be found in records stretching back centuries in a variety of forms all across Europe.
Famous people with the name Model
- Gigi Hadid: English-American model and television personality.
- Pamela Anderson: Canadian-American actress, model, and animal rights activist.
- Tyra Banks: American television personality, model, producer, and businesswoman.
- Karlie Kloss: American fashion model.
- Bar Refaeli: Israeli model, television host, and actress.
- Gisele Bündchen: Brazilian model, an ambassador for Frida and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme.
- Adriana Lima: Brazilian model and actress.
- Heidi Klum: German model, television host, producer, and businesswoman.
- Nina Agdal: Danish model.
- Iskra Lawrence: British model, actress, and body positivity activist.