The distinguished German surname Zabels is derived from the Middle High German word "zabel," meaning "board game." The name may have been bestowed as a nickname on the original bearer, who was most likely someone particularly fond of games. Alternatively, Zabels may be a variant of the surname Zobel, a name derived from the Slavic "sobel," meaning "sable fur." In this instance, the name would have been initially borne by a fur trader.
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Early Origins of the Zabels family
The surname Zabels was first found in the Rhineland, where it first emerged. The earliest known bearer of the name was Thid. Zabel, who lived in Cologne in 1187. The young Zabels family was instrumental during this early period, playing an important role in the development of the society of the Rhineland.
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Early History of the Zabels family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Zabels research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1187, 1325, 1358, 1382 and 1441 are included under the topic Early Zabels History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Zabels Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Zabel, Zobel, Tzabels, Tzabel, Zabels, Zobels and many more.
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Early Notables of the Zabels family
More information is included under the topic Early Zabels Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Zabels family
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Joh Wilhelm Zobel, who emigrated from Rhineland to Boston in 1751; Christian Zabel and his wife Dorothea Luise Muller, "Old Lutherans" from Pomerania who sailed to New York on board the Barque Rainbow in 1843.
Germany
