Surname Kärgelein - Meaning and Origin
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Kärgelein: What does the surname Kärgelein mean?
The last name Kärgelein is of German origin. It is derived from the German word "Kärge" which means a small cart or wagon, and the suffix "-lein" which is common for diminutives like "little" or "small".
People with this surname were most likely involved in a profession associated with carts, wagons, or freight transport like commerce, transportation, or general vocation. Together, Kärgelein is thought to mean "little cart" or "small wagon".
Throughout German history, this surname likely originated in the Mediæval times, when much of Europe was primarily reliant on wagon travel for transportation. As this method of transport was widely used during the era, people with the last name Kärgelein may have had a lasting occupation related to the trade.
Today, the surname Kärgelein is less common in Germany but still seen frequently in some areas. It is estimated that around 700 people currently bear this last name, living mainly in regions within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Given its origin and significance, Kärgelein is a name with a deep resonating history attached to it. Its rarity makes it an interesting and unique surname for many who carry it.
Order DNA origin analysisKärgelein: Where does the name Kärgelein come from?
Kärgelein is a German last name with roots in Prussia. It is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today, where a few hundred people bear the name today. Outside of Germany and Austria, Kärgelein has a strong presence in other German-speaking regions like Switzerland, Luxembourg, and parts of Belgium. It is also found in small numbers in North America, particularly the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The origin of the Kärgelein surname is found in the Prussian town of Kargenau, located in what is now East Prussia, Germany. The name derived from the Old High German word "karke" meaning "haystack" and the Old High German word "lin" meaning "glade," and thus literally translated to "haystack glade." Kargenau today is a small locality in a district of the German state of Brandenburg.
Kärgelein today is usually a rare sight outside of the German-speaking world, but within it, it can be found in many places. The surname is typically associated with farming, and many of its history can still be found in the small towns and hamlets scattered throughout the German-speaking world.
Variations of the surname Kärgelein
The surname Kärgelein is derived from the German words Kärge and Lein, which mean little barrel and flax or linen, respectively. The name has been translated to "little barrel maker."
Variants and spellings of the surname Kärgelein include Kärgelyn, Kergelein, Kargelein, Kargelein, Kargelyne, Kargelyn, Kargerlyne, and Kergerlyne.
Kärgelein is also a variation of the French surname Cargill, which was introduced into England by the Normans. Variations of the surname Cargill include Cregel, Cregelhain, Carkell, Craggell, and Creggell.
In Germany, there are related names such as Kurlin, Karlin, Kirsimäe, Körlin, Karul, and Kurlinn.
In Sweden, the surname Kárgelein may refer to the name Karlberg, which was adopted by wealthy merchants. Variants of the name Karlberg include Kart, Karl, Carlbäcker, Karlbäcker, Carlbaum or Carlbom, and Karlbaum or Karlbom.
As people from different countries migrated, the Kärgelein spelling may have changed to other European and American variations, such as Kargele, Kargell, Kargel, Kargel, Körgel, Körgen, Kargele, Kargull, Kargol, Karjalainen, Kärgel, and Karjala.
In the United States, the Kärgelein surname has been Americanized to Kargelein, Kergelein, and many other spellings, including Cargell, Gargell, Kargella, Kargelle, Kargel, Kargle, Karcgl, Karcerl, Karjal, Kargelli, Kongele, and Korgerl.
Overall, the surname Kärgelein has many spelling variations and related surnames that possibly have a common origin.
Famous people with the name Kärgelein
- Karl Kärgelein (1859-1917), German politician and pastor
- Curt Kärgelein (1893-1944), German General in the Wehrmacht during WW2
- Uwe Kärgelein (born 1968), German football player and coach
- Hendrik Kärgelein (born 1979), German actor
- Gerald Kärgelein (born 1978), German composer and producer
- Florian Kärgelein (born 1966), German curler
- Helene Kärgelein (1927-2008), German writer and educator
- Lothar Kärgelein (1931-2005), German lawyer and professor
- Sebastian Kärgelein (born 1976), German figure skater
- Magda Kärgelein (1948-2011), German athlete and world champion in women's fencing.