Surname Kefel - Meaning and Origin

Kefel: What does the surname Kefel mean?

The surname Kefel is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German given name Kufal, which was frequent during the Middle Ages. The name Kufal is composed of the elements ku (cow) and hwal (determinative suffix). The suffix hwal is derived from the Proto-Germanic *hwalaz, meaning 'cattle,' which ultimately derives from the Indo-European root *kwen-‘bear, give birth’.

Kefel probably began as a nickname given to someone who was either associated with cattle in some way or was thought to possess certain qualities related to them, such as strength, stubbornness, or prosperity. Over time, the name became Kefel and eventually passed down as a surname.

Today, the Kefel surname is established in many countries around the world and is most common in parts of Europe, especially in Germany where the Kefel family is believed to have originated. In other countries, particularly in the United States, the Kefel surname has largely been Anglicized and is now commonly spelled Kiefel.

Overall, the Kefel surname carries a long history and strong ties to cattle, animals that have played an important role in the history and development of my culture and societies of the past.

Kefel: Where does the name Kefel come from?

The last name Kefel is most commonly found in Israel, though it is also found in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.

Originating in the Middle East, the Kefel name is of Hebrew or Arabic origin and means 'courier'. The surname could have been a personal name, bestowed upon somebody who was travelling frequently on business and delivering important messages from one location to the next.

In the United States, Kefel is most concentrated in New York, California, and New Jersey. According to the US Census or 2000, there were 390 people in the United States with the last name Kefel. In Canada, the surname is also concentrated mostly in Ontario and British Columbia. In the United Kingdom, Kefel was primarily found in London and Glasgow, though it is dispersed across other parts of the UK as well.

Today, the name Kefel is still very common in Israel—the population with this last name there stands at around 2,500 people. Beyond Israel, the name is certainly much less frequently encountered; however, with the number of Jewish people emigrating around the world in recent centuries, it is very likely that the name Kefel is also present in many other countries.

Variations of the surname Kefel

Kefel is a surname Haberdasher, is an English patronymic toponymic surname derived from the Middle English and Old English name "Keffel" or from the Ancient Yiddish name "Kephils". The origins of the surname are generally considered to be English.

Variants of the surname Kefel include Kefal, Kefall, Kefalas, Kefalg, Kefals, Kefalas, Kefalio, Kefalopoulou, Kefales and Kefalopoulou.

Spellings of the surname Kefel may include Keffel, Kefill, Kefiel, Kefell, Kepel, Kepell, and Kefull.

Surnames of the same origin as Kefel include Kefila, Kefilas, Kefeli, Kefilo, Kefilos, Kephilas, Kephila, Kephiles, Kephilos, Kephill, Kepholas, Kepholos, Kepil, Kepilas, Kepilo, Kepilos, Kepill, Kepillos, Kepilos, and Kephils.

Kefel is a surname that is found in many countries, including Israel, the United States, Greece, Sweden, Spain, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The surname Kefel is popular among Jewish and Greek populations. It is possible that Kefel is an originally Jewish or Greek name, but it cannot be said for certain.

Famous people with the name Kefel

• Obi Kefel: German Footballer
• Ilana Kefel: Israeli Glamor Model
• Carlos Kefel: Uruguayan Footballer
• Mike Kefel: American Pop Singer
• Elbert Kefel: Austrian Entrepreneur
• Marjorie Kefel: Historic Berne Advising Nurse
• Kyle Kefel: American Actor
• Eliana Kefel: Israeli Artist
• Falk Kefel: German Engineer
• Boaz Kefel: Israeli Philanthropist and Businessman
• Joe Kefel: American Entrepreneur
• Iddo Kefel: Israeli Author
• Alon Kefel: Israeli Basketball Player
• Ramon Kefel: American Money Manager
• Rachel Kefel: Israeli Philanthropist
• Will Kefel: British Boxing Coach
• Noa Kefel: Israeli Actress
• Moriah Kefel: Israeli Singer
• Julie Kefel: American Artist
• Noah Kefel: German Musician

Other surnames

KeferKeferloher