Surname Keilhaue - Meaning and Origin
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Keilhaue: What does the surname Keilhaue mean?
The last name Keilhaue comes from German and is quite unique. It is derived from two elements: the first element “keil” translates to “wedge” and the second element “hauen” which can be translated to “to fell or hew.” Together these elements imply that those who held this name were either skilled craftsmen or woodcutters.
The association of the surname with skilled laborers dates back to the Middle Ages. In this time, woodcutting was a widely prevalent trade and was essential in the construction of homes, furniture, and other items. Thus, it stands to reason that those bearing the Keilhaue surname likely took part in this work, given their surname’s link to woodcutting.
Keilhaue may also have associations with civil engineers. This is because the same elements that gave the surname its meaning—the wedge and the hew—are both used in the construction of roads, bridges, and other structures. As the practice of engineering became more commonplace, people with the last names Keilhaue or related surname may have been actively involved in this trade.
Ultimately, the last name Keilhaue has a rich history of working with wood and stone that points to a strong association with skilled laborers. With origins in the Middle Ages, those who hold the Keilhaue surname can proudly wear this name knowing they are connected to a long line of folks proficient in craftssmanship.
Order DNA origin analysisKeilhaue: Where does the name Keilhaue come from?
The last name Keilhaue is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a German-lexified surname of Slavic origin. Records show that the surname has been in the country since at least the sixteenth century, and is particularly common in the southern parts of Germany. It is also known to exist in Austria, Switzerland, and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
In Germany, the name Keilhaue is especially prevalent in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. As far as distribution across the country, it is most commonly encountered in large cities such as Munich, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart. However, it is also widely represented in many rural and small-town areas. It is, in fact, one of the most common surnames in the Bavarian Loessy Valley, as well as in the area around Iseneck, Bavaria.
On the other hand, Keilhaue is not especially common in the United States. However, it is known to exist in the states of California, Florida, and New Jersey. It has also been reported in pockets in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom.
Overall, the last name Keilhaue is most frequently encountered in Germany, where it is widely distributed across Bavaria and its surrounding regions. Nevertheless, it can also be found in other parts of Europe and North America, albeit in much smaller numbers.
Variations of the surname Keilhaue
Keilhaue is a German surname derived from the Keilhau area of Saxony-Anhalt in central Germany. The surname has been found in records dating back to the 16th century, where it was sometimes spelled as Köhlehau, Köhlehawe or Kilhau.
Variations of this name have included Keilhauer, Köhlhauer, Köhlhauwi, Keylhauer, Keilhauw, and Keilhaua. The surname has also sometimes been written as Köhlaue, Köhlinau, Köhlnaue, Köhlhav or Köhlhauwe.
Other variants related to the Keilhau area include Keilhunk, Kilhonk, Keilhaver, Kaylinhaw, Keilhork, and Keilhahr.
The variations of the name are not limited to Germany, with immigrants taking the name to other countries. In the United States, families bearing the surname Keelhauer, Keilhauer, Kolhauer, Kalhauer, and Kihlhauer can trace their roots back to the Keilhau area. In the UK, the Keilhaue surname may also be found as Keylere, Keiler, Kylaar, and Keillhauer.
Finally, variations of the name can also be found in other German-speaking areas, such as Austria and Switzerland. Variations found in these areas include Köhlhauf, Kolhauf, Köhlhaf, Köhlahuf, Köhlhub, and Köhlhouf.
Regardless of the variations, all of these surnames can be connected back to the original German village of Keilhau and the area surrounding it in Saxony-Anhalt.
Famous people with the name Keilhaue
- Chris Keilhaue: a French professional tennis player
- Karl Keilhauer: German draughtsman, engraver and sculptor
- Robert Karl Keilhauer: former Austrian politician
- Simon Keilhauer: professional Swiss ice hockey player
- Ray Keilhauer: Canadian professional wrestler
- Tony Keilhauer: former American football quarterback
- Richard Keilhauer: American politician
- Hisaye Keilhauer: British Olympic dressage rider
- Larry Keilhauer: American radio personality
- Heinrich Keilhauer: Austrian composer and conductor