Find out how popular the first name Mandel has been for the last 38 years (from 1974 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mandel by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Mandel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Mandel.

The history of the first name Mandel

The given name Mandel is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "mandel," meaning "almond." Its earliest roots can be traced back to the Old High German "mandala," which is believed to have originated from the Latin word "amandola," a diminutive form of "amygdala," referring to the almond-shaped tonsil.

Mandel was initially a surname, especially common in regions like Bavaria and Austria, where almond cultivation was prevalent. It later transitioned into a first name, primarily used in German-speaking countries and Jewish communities. The name's association with the almond tree and its fruits symbolized fertility, abundance, and vitality.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mandel can be found in the 12th-century German epic poem "Nibelungenlied," where it appears as a character's surname. In the 16th century, the name gained popularity among Jewish families, possibly due to its resemblance to the Hebrew word "mandelah," meaning "branch" or "offshoot."

Historically, several notable individuals have borne the name Mandel. One of the earliest was Mandel Nürnberger (c. 1616-1663), a prominent German-Jewish merchant and financier who played a significant role in the development of the banking industry in Frankfurt. Another notable figure was Mandel Kramer (1842-1924), a German-Jewish author and journalist known for his writings on Jewish culture and history.

In the 20th century, Mandel gained wider recognition through individuals like Mandel Ngan (1924-2018), a renowned American photographer who worked for the Associated Press and captured iconic moments in American history. Mandel Neville (1905-1997), an Australian lawyer and judge, served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and made significant contributions to the legal system.

Additionally, Mandel Brothers was a prominent American department store chain founded in the late 19th century by the Mandel brothers, German-Jewish immigrants who established their business in Chicago. The store's success and longevity further solidified the name's presence in American culture.

Other notable individuals with the first name Mandel include Mandel Shkolnik (1913-1937), a Soviet Yiddish poet and writer, and Mandel Lichtenstein (1925-1990), a Polish-born Israeli painter and sculptor known for his abstract expressionist works.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mandel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mandel, please contact us.

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