Feiwel

Yiddish

"brilliant one"

Feiwel Origin and Meaning

The name Feiwel is a boy's name.

Feiwel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, primarily used in Jewish communities with Eastern European heritage. The name is derived from the Hebrew name "Phoebus" or "Phoebus Apollo," ultimately connecting to Greek origins meaning "bright" or "shining." Feiwel was more common in pre-WWII European Jewish communities, particularly in Poland, Lithuania, and surrounding regions. Today, the name is relatively rare, mostly appearing in historical records or among families preserving traditional Yiddish naming customs. Some bearers may use more common variants like Philip or Felix in secular contexts while maintaining Feiwel for religious or cultural purposes. The name represents a connection to Jewish cultural history and linguistic traditions, though its usage has declined significantly in recent generations.