Skip to main content

Updated June 9, 2019

Family name origins & meanings

  • German : from a short form of a Germanic personal name formed with agi ‘point (of a sword)’, ‘corner’ (Old High German ecka).
  • German : nickname from Middle High German ītel ‘bare’, ‘only’. In the days before surnames had begun to make their mark, bearers of common personal names would often have a second personal name as a distinguishing feature; someone who did not have a second such name could be distinguished by this fact in itself, as for example ītel Hans as against Hans Joachim. The meaning ‘vain’, ‘conceited’ is comparatively late and has probably not contributed to the family name.

Join the Family

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe