History:

Podel: This surnames spread was a mix of people choosing to move and being forced to move. Those who chose to move might have been looking for better jobs or escaping trouble, creating Podel communities in new places. Where they settled depended on why they moved – maybe near other Podels at first, then spreading out later. Forced moves, like during wars, scattered this surname more widely.

Description:

Podell (adding an l) and Podle (dropping an l) are simple spelling changes often seen in surname history. Podelski might also be related; it could be a name that developed from a location or a family name.