This interesting name derives from a medieval personal name, itself of Germanic origin from 'heil' meaning 'salvation' or 'safety'. It may also have been used as a nickname for a recluse or hermit who chose a solitary life in a remote place - from the Germanic 'hele' meaning secret or concealed. In the modern idiom the name is spelt Hehel or Hehle and the diminutive form of the name is Hehlke. There is a German Coat of Arms being quartered gold and blue charged with two doves and chevrons. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Willihelm Hehel (Germany). which was dated C. 1680 Rietstap's Armorial General. during the reign of Emperor Leopold 1 1668-1705. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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