Surname Käpplinger - Meaning and Origin
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Käpplinger: What does the surname Käpplinger mean?
The surname Käpplinger is of German origin, with two common variations of the name—Käpplingen and Käppling. It originates from areas such as the Palatinate and southwest Germany. The word "Käpplinger" is derived from the German word "Kappel," meaning a chapel where religious services were held. This suggests that someone with the surname likely had strong religious beliefs, passed down through generations.
The name Käpplinger is fairly plentiful throughout Germany and it is likely that many carrying this surname are distantly related, likely being descended from a common ancestor. It is also possible that the name originated with a person who lived near a chapel in both a personal and occupational capacity.
In Germany, Käpplinger is a common occupational surname, with many descendants likely having worked as choir singers or ministers at a chapel in some capacity. Alternatively, the surname may provide an indication of where an individual family originated as Käpplinger appears to be an area name in many parts of Germany.
In its current form, the Käpplinger surname has been in use for many centuries and is likely to continue to be passed down through generations. That being said, its meaning is plausible and continues to be meaningful to many thousands of descendants in Germany, and possibly further afield.
Order DNA origin analysisKäpplinger: Where does the name Käpplinger come from?
The surname Käpplinger is largely most common in the Central European country of Germany. It is derived from the Germanic personal name Kapellinger, meaning “son of Kapell” or “Kapell’s son.” This indicates its first name holders were followers of a leader whose name originated from the Old High German word “Kapel,” meaning “member of the elite.”
Käpplinger is primarily concentrated in the south of Germany in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Hesse. It is most frequent in Stuttgart, Munich and Frankfurt, respectively.
Käpplinger is also found, albeit in much smaller numbers, in European countries such as Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Scandinavian countries. Outside of Europe, bearers of the surname are present in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.
The presence of the Käpplinger surname in Europe as well as in other countries around the world largely reflects the movement of German immigrants seeking better opportunities in the 19th and 20th centuries. This movement has enabled bearers of the surname to become widespread, contributing to the diversity of the globe.
Variations of the surname Käpplinger
Käpplinger is a German surname, meaning "head courtier." Variations of this surname include Kaepplinger, Kapplinger, Kaepflinger, Käpflinger and Kaeplinger.
The surname Käpplinger is derived from the Middle High German Kepflingen, which has its roots in the Middle High German capflingen, meaning “head courtier.” This term was also used to refer to the leading courtiers in medieval German castles.
It is believed that Käpplinger is an occupational surname, as it was adopted by those who worked at upper levels of courts, typically as a servant to a royal family or as a representative of a royal court. As such, the first person to adopt the surname was likely a courtier for a high-ranking family or court.
Other variants of this surname include Kaepflingen, Kaepplinger, Kapplinger, Kaeplinger, and Käpflinger. The spelling of the surname varies based on location and dialect. The original form of this surname, Kaepflingen, has fallen out of use, though it may still be found in some old documents.
The surname Käpplinger is most common in Germany and bordering countries, but it’s also found in other regions of the world. It is rare in the United States, but a few families spelled the surname “Kaepplinger.”
Therefore, while the surname “Käpplinger” may have its roots in medieval Germany, its variants can now be found in places far and wide. It is still quite rare, however, so it may be difficult to find more than a few examples of this surname.
Famous people with the name Käpplinger
- Franz Käpplinger: a former Austrian professional football goalkeeper.
- Johannes Käpplinger: a contemporary Austrian jazz musician.
- Ronny Käpplinger: an Austrian filmmaker and producer.
- August Käpplinger: a renowned nineteenth century Austro-Hungarian violin maker.
- Ernest Käpplinger: a German contemporary painter and sculptor.
- Johann Käpplinger: a German contemporary professional photographer.
- Barbara Käpplinger: an Austrian businessperson and entrepreneur.
- Emanuel Käpplinger: a 19th century Austrian painter and engraver.
- Johann Käpplinger: a nineteenth century Austrian physician and botanist.
- Erich Käpplinger: a German respiratory specialist and professor.