Show ContentsGebel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Gebel family

The surname Gebel was first found in Belgium, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name comes from the German word "gabel," meaning "fork." It was a topographic name for someone who lived near a fork in a road or river, or the occupational name for a maker and seller of forks. The name was first recorded in West Flanders, a province in Belgium, originally Bruges. Within this province the notable towns are Bruges, the capital city, Ostend, Courtrai, Furnes, Thielt, Ypres and Roulers. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into a most influential family.

Early History of the Gebel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gebel research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1631, 1763 and 1768 are included under the topic Early Gebel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gebel Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Gabber, Gaber, Gabbert, Gabert, Gabeln, Gabet, Gebel and many more.

Early Notables of the Gebel family

More information is included under the topic Early Gebel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Gebel migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Gebel Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Margaretha Gebel, who landed in New York in 1709 1
  • Anna Margaretha Gebel, who settled in New York in 1710
  • Johannes Harman Gebel, aged 19, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1753 1
  • Peter Gebel, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1754 1
Gebel Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Joseph Gebel, who arrived in Mobile, Ala in 1855 1
  • Lina Gebel, who landed in America in 1872 1
  • Johann Gebel, who landed in North America in 1873 1
  • Heinrich Gebel, aged 18, who landed in New York, NY in 1876 1
  • Henry Gebel, who arrived in Arkansas in 1885 1
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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