Poels

Poels is a Dutch surname of toponymic origin and can also be found as a place-name element in the Netherlands. The name stems from the word poel, meaning pool or pond, and typically denotes an association with a place named Poel or a landscape feature such as a pond. The suffix -s is a common Dutch marker in toponymic surnames, often indicating origin or belonging.

In terms of distribution, Poels is most commonly found in the Netherlands, with higher concentrations in southern regions and among families with longtime roots there. Due to proximity and historical migration, bearers of the name may also appear in neighboring regions, including Belgium.

Notable people with the surname include Wout Poels (born 1987), a Dutch professional road bicycle racer who has competed at the UCI World Tour level and ridden for teams such as Team Sky/Ineos and Bahrain Victorious. Beyond this, individuals bearing the name Poels appear across various fields, including sports, academia, and public service, though they may be less prominent in international sources.

As a place-name element, Poels can appear in localities or as part of longer place names in Dutch-speaking areas, reflecting the landscape feature of a pool or pond that likely influenced the original naming. See also Poel for related toponymic forms.