Fishel

Fishel is a surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is often considered a variant of Fischl or Fischel, itself derived from a Yiddish given name Fischl, a diminutive form of Fisch (fish). The surname may have originated as a nickname or as a patronymic, signaling a familial association with an ancestor named Fischl.

Variants and transliterations include Fischl, Fishl, Fischel, and Fishel; spellings vary according to country, language, and immigration records. In some cases, Fishel also appears as a given name in families, particularly in Slavic or Hebrew-speaking communities.

Historically, bearers of the name are associated with Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe. With large-scale emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries, the surname spread to North America, Israel, and other parts of the world. Records often reflect changes in spelling due to immigration, census, and naturalization processes.

In genealogical and onomastic studies, the name is used to trace lineage and community connections among Jewish families. Contemporary usage is diverse, and the name is borne by individuals in various professions. As with many surnames of Yiddish origin, precise etymology can vary by family history, and some bearers may have adopted different spellings over generations.