hendel

Hendel is a surname of Germanic origin. In German-language contexts, the closely related forms Händel and Handel are more common, but Hendel appears as an alternative spelling in many records, especially where diacritics are omitted or in diaspora communities. The name is generally treated as a variant within the Händel/Handel family and may have arisen through regional spelling practices or transliteration.

Etymology and meaning: The exact origin of Hendel is not decisively documented in widely available sources. As with Händel and Handel, it is typically considered a variant that may be patronymic or toponymic in origin. Regional differences in spelling were common in Germanic naming traditions, and Hendel can reflect such variations in historical records.

Distribution and usage: Hendel appears in records across German-speaking countries and among emigrant communities abroad, including the United States, Canada, and Israel. It is used as a surname across a range of professions and does not connote a particular occupation or social status.

Notable associations: The similar-sounding surname Händel is associated with the Baroque composer George Frideric Handel. Hendel as a spelling variant is distinguished in English-language records from the composer, who more often appears under the Handel/Handel forms without umlauts.

See also: Handel, Händel.

This article provides a concise overview of the surname Hendel, noting its status as a variant of related names and its presence in Germanic and international contexts.