Goebel is of German origin and means "smith" or "metalworker". It was originally an occupational surname given to someone who worked as a blacksmith, craftsman, or maker of hardware. The name can also be found in Dutch and Scandinavian countries due to historical ties with Germany. In some cases, Goebel may also have been derived from the personal name Gebhard, which means "strong spear" or "spear-bold". As an occupational surname, Goebel has a rich history tied to the development of crafts and trade in Europe during the Middle Ages.
The name Goebel experienced a notable peak in popularity around the turn of the century, with ten births recorded in 1900. However, it appears to have been less common during the following decades, with five or fewer births per year from 1917 onwards. The total number of births between 1899 and 1939 was seventy.