Brel

Brel is a surname of Belgian origin. The name is most notably associated with Jacques Brel (1929–1978), a Belgian singer-songwriter and poet whose French-language chansons helped shape late-20th-century European popular music. He began performing in the 1950s and rose to international prominence with songs such as "Amsterdam" and "Ne me quitte pas." Brel’s work is celebrated for its lyrical intensity, emotional directness, and blend of storytelling with social and existential themes. His songs have been widely translated and covered, and his influence extends into theatre and film.

Beyond Jacques Brel, the surname is carried by other individuals in various professions, though none have achieved the same level of international recognition. The name can also appear in genealogical contexts and as part of family histories in francophone regions. There is no widely recognized non-person entity universally associated with the name "Brel."