Diegel

Diegel is a surname of German origin. It is a relatively uncommon surname, and its etymology is believed to be derived from a diminutive form of the given name "Dietrich," meaning "people's ruler" or "ruler of the people." The "Diet-" element comes from the Old High German "diot" (people, race), and the "-rich" element comes from "rih" (ruler, king, powerful). The suffix "-el" is a common diminutive ending in German surnames.

Variations of the name may include Diehl, Dietel, and others that share the "Diet-" root. The name may have originated in various regions where Germanic languages were spoken, and its distribution today reflects historical migration patterns. People with the surname Diegel can be found primarily in Germany and countries with significant German diaspora populations.

The surname, like many others, became fixed and hereditary over generations. While tracing the precise lineage of specific Diegel families requires genealogical research, the name itself provides a clue to potential ancestral origins within the German-speaking world.