Riedel
A German surname that can trace back to a diminutive of a name beginning with Ried-, or in some cases to a word for a strap or binding thong.
The #5,295 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 46,936 Americans shares it.
Etymology
The name is usually treated as a German diminutive or pet form, most likely from a short form such as Ried- from older Germanic name elements like Hrod- (“fame”) or related forms. Some historical sources also connect Riedel with German words for a strap, thong, or binding band, suggesting an occupational or nickname sense in certain cases. Because several similar-looking surname families overlapped in old records, the exact origin can vary by family line.
History
The surname is well established in German-speaking areas and is especially common in central and eastern Germany. Older surname dictionaries also note related spellings such as Riedl and Riedel, with the form spreading into neighboring regions and later into North America through migration. In some references it is grouped with other German diminutive surnames formed from short personal names or descriptive nicknames.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Some 19th- and early-20th-century writers linked Riedel to old straps or laces used to fasten clothing before buttons became universal.
From the historical record
“Hugt., Canterbury, 1622 Ridall, Riddel, Riddle. A loc. n., Scotl. Or D. Riedel ; A. Rydall; Fr. Ridel, Ridelle ; a p.n. (wrinkle). Or dim. of Rid Richard Ridel in Rot. Obi. et Fin., K. John. Also de Ridal.”
— British Family Names: their origin and meaning (2nd ed.)