An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Schädel

by Friedrich Kluge

Schädel, masculine, ‘skull,’ from Middle High German schědel, masculine, ‘skull,’ and also ‘a dry measure’; ullied to Dutch schedel, masculine; unknown to the other Old Teutonic dialects (in Old High German gëbal, ‘skull,’ like Greek κεφαλή; see Giebel). Its connection with Scheitel is conceivable.