hæsel

Hæsel is a surname of German and Dutch origin. It is believed to derive from the Old High German word "heisal," meaning "hoarse" or "hoarseness." This likely referred to a person with a characteristic voice. Alternatively, it may have originated as a topographic name, referring to someone who lived near a hazelnut tree or grove, from the word "hesil" or "hasel."

The surname appears in historical records in various spellings, including Hessel, Hässel, and Hasel, across different German-speaking regions and the Low Countries. Over time, emigration from these areas led to the spread of the hæsel surname to other parts of the world, including the Americas and Australia.

Notable individuals bearing the hæsel surname or its variations have contributed to various fields. Genealogical research indicates that the name is relatively uncommon. As with many surnames, its exact etymological path can be subject to regional variations and historical linguistic shifts. The modern spelling hæsel is less common than Hessel or Hasel, but it represents a documented variant of the surname.