Bikel

Bikel is a surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is found in the Jewish diaspora across North America, Europe, and parts of the Middle East. The etymology is not clearly established; it may be a habitational name from a place in Eastern Europe or a derivative of a given name, integrated into family lineages through migration in the 19th and 20th centuries. Spelling variants, including Bickel and Bikol, arise from transliteration differences and the adaptation of names upon migration.

Notable bearers include Theodor Bikel, an Austrian-American actor and folk singer known for his work on stage and screen as well as his recordings of traditional songs. The surname has appeared in academic, artistic, and professional contexts across several countries, often reflecting immigrant family histories.

There is no widely recognized geographical location or organization named Bikel, and the term is predominantly encountered as a surname.