Surname Kauhl - Meaning and Origin
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Kauhl: What does the surname Kauhl mean?
The last name Kauhl is of German origin and is one of the oldest surnames in existence. The name Kauhl is derived from the Middle High German word “kouwel” or “kowel”, which means “peasant” or “farm laborer”. It is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, and was used to describe an individual belonging to the lower class.
The Kauhl surname originated in Bavaria and spread to other parts of Germany. During the 18th century, many members of the Kauhl family emigrated to the United States and Canada, settling in both rural and urban areas. The Kauhl family was well-regarded in Germany and had a high level of social standing.
Kauhl is an uncommon surname, as it is found in fewer than 1 in 1 million people, primarily in Germany and the United States. Today, those who bear the Kauhl surname are generally proud of their heritage and strive to preserve the history and culture of their ancestors.
Kauhl is a unique and noble name that speaks to the strength and resilience of its holders. Throughout the centuries, the Kauhl family has demonstrated a commitment to honor, integrity, and dedication.
Order DNA origin analysisKauhl: Where does the name Kauhl come from?
The Kauhl surname is most commonly found in various German-speaking countries today. It has been established since the early 19th century, with its first recorded instance in 1821 in Münsterbuch, Germany. It is a fairly uncommon surname, with only 522 people bearing this name in 2014.
To this day, the most common regions to find people with the last name Kauhl are in southern and western Germany, including lower Saxony, Baden-Württenberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bavaria. Other notable European countries with at least a few bearers of this name include Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Outside of Europe, Canada is the most likely place to find people with the surname Kauhl. Specifically, many descendents of early German immigrants can be found in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta out west. The United States also has a few Kauhl's scattered about scattered, mostly in New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, and Missouri.
No matter where they can be found, the last name Kauhl is generally associated with people of German origin and can often be traced back to the Münster region of Germany that was established in the 1800s.
Variations of the surname Kauhl
The surname Kauhl is an archaic spelling of “Kaufmann” or “Kaufman” which is a German and Jewish surname of occupational origin, meaning "merchant" or "trader". It is primarily found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Kauhl are Kaufmann, Kaufman, Kauffmann, Kauffman, Kaufma, Kaffman, Koffer, Koffmann, Koffman, Kofferma, Kohen, Kohn, Krum, Krumm, and Crafft.
Kaufmann is a popular spelling in Germany while Kauffmann is the preferred spelling in Switzerland. Kaffman is an Ashkenazic Jewish spelling variant. Kauhl does not appear to be used as a current surname but its variants are used quite frequently. Kaufmann is the 4th most common surname in Germany. Interestingly, the surname is of both Germanic and Jewish origins.
Kaufmann is derived from the Middle High German term “koufman” which meant merchant, while in the Jewish tradition it is derived from the Hebrew term “kohen” which referred to a priest. Over time, the two meanings merged and created the surname. It was adopted by Germanic people, however, in many cases, it still has it original Hebrew roots.
Famous people with the name Kauhl
- Kristen Kahl, former actress and model
- Michael Kaahl, singer, songwriter and producer
- Dean Kahl, Major League Baseball pitcher
- Herschel Kahl, professional basketball player
- Matthew Kaahl, fashion model
- Friedrich Kahl, German artist
- Steve Kahl, American television screenwriter
- Paul Kahl, American political activist
- Katharina Kahl, German film director
- Nicholas Kahl, Canadian actor and film producer