Surname Kappis - Meaning and Origin
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Kappis: What does the surname Kappis mean?
The last name Kappis is a surname originally derived from the Old German language. The closest translation of the name is derived from the word “kapu”, meaning a “mile marker, gate, or barrier.” As such, Kappis could have been used as surname to indicate someone who lived near specific barrier, or a place of some sort.
In more recent times, Kappis is believed to have primarily been used as an occupational surname. People who had this name may have kept or maintained fences or gates, such as those at castles or entries to wealthy estates. Alternatively, the name may have been used to denote someone who worked in one of the city gates, or a person who surveyed or measured miles of road.
Today, the surname Kappis is primarily found in Germany and other parts of Central Europe. It is a relatively uncommon surname, and its various meanings across the centuries can likely be traced to the many different areas in which it was used in the past.
Order DNA origin analysisKappis: Where does the name Kappis come from?
The last name Kappis is most commonly found today in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, although it does have a presence in other countries. In Germany, the most prevalent areas for this last name include North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. In Austria, it can be found mainly in Lower Austria and Vienna, while in Switzerland it is present in the cantons of Bern, Graubünden, St. Gallen, and Zurich.
Outside of central Europe, Kappis has a small presence in Denmark, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. In addition, the largest concentration of the name Kappis outside of Europe is in the United States, particularly Texas, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin.
Within Europe, the spread of the last name Kappis is believed to be primarily the result of migration from Germany to other countries, as this is an area with a historically high concentration of the name. Another possible factor is that due to the prevalence of the name in Germany and other parts of central Europe, Kappis families may have traveled abroad in search of economic and social opportunities.
Overall, the last name Kappis is still found most commonly in Central and Western Europe, although it can also be found in other places worldwide.
Variations of the surname Kappis
The surname Kappis is an occupational name for a hat maker, derived from the Middle High German word ‘kappes’ meaning cap or hat. Variations of the name, both spellings and surnames, include Kappe, Kapperman, Kappler, Kappmeier, Kappus, Kape, Kapes, Kappesser, Käppler, Käpper, Käppler, Köppes, Köppel, Köppen, Köppler, Köppeler, Köper, Köpf, Köpfer, Köpff, Keppes, Keppel, Keppen, Keppler, Keppeler, Keper, Kepf, Kepfer, Kepff, K_Mp-_M and Koppes.
Variants of the surname have been present in Europe since at least the late 15th century, and have spread all over the world in recent centuries with flourishing diasporic populations. The surnames Kappus and Kappe arose most prominently in Sweden, Germany, Austria and North America, while the surnames Kappmeyer, Kapperman and Kappler are most common in the USA and Canada.
The meaning of the surname remains unchanged around the world, referring to an occupation that has been integral to fashion, culture and etiquette since the 16th century. The hat maker’s skills in creating, shaping and decorating hats of various styles remain highly valued to this day, with skilled artisans still working with various materials to create traditional and fashion-forward designs.
Famous people with the name Kappis
- Andreas Kappis: German pediatrician and professor
- Freddy Kappis: Argentine film and television actor
- Mary-Beth Kappis: American abstract artist
- Andrew Kappis: British writer and creative director
- Constantin Kappis: Greek photographer
- Douglas Kappis: American TV journalist and producer
- Mike Kappis: American bass guitarist
- Marcus Kappis: German-American soccer player
- Peter Kappis: British film and television director
- François-Xavier Kappis: French production designer and illustrator