Meisel

Meisel is a surname of German origin. It is a variant of the word Meißel, the standard German term for a chisel, and it most likely originated as an occupational name for a craftsman who made or used chisels. The spelling Meisel is common in contexts where the umlaut was dropped, and related forms such as Meissel appear in some records.

The name is found in German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and among Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Through migration in the 18th to 20th centuries, bearers of the surname established families in North America, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world. As with many Germanic surnames, Meisel can reflect different historical pathways—primarily its association with the tool itself rather than a specific locality.

Because Meisel is relatively common, individuals with the surname have appeared in a range of fields, including the arts, sciences, business, and public life. The name’s enduring presence in diverse communities underscores its linguistic and cultural reach beyond any single identifiable lineage.