Surname Kelkner - Meaning and Origin
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Kelkner: What does the surname Kelkner mean?
The last name Kelkner is of German origin and has its roots in the medieval Germanic personal name “Kelekin”, which means “one who is beloved”. Over the centuries, the spelling of the name has changed, leading to a variety of alternate spellings such as Kelcker, Kelkner, Kieklener, and Kielkner.
The name is most commonly found in southern Germany, where it is thought to have originated. It is believed to be of Low German origin and has a strong presence in hilly regions, such as Rhenish Bavaria and Upper Austria. The current distribution of the name is similar to that of other German geographical areas, including Austria and the Czech Republic.
The Kelkner name is also common among Americans of German descent. During the 19th century, many German immigrants settled in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, and New York. As a result, the name has spread across the United States and can now be found in almost any state.
The meaning of the name is ultimately a reminder of the lasting impact of German immigrants and their culture on the American landscape. It is a testament to the importance of strong family ties even in the face of significant change and adaptation.
Order DNA origin analysisKelkner: Where does the name Kelkner come from?
The last name Kelkner is primarily found in the United States, especially the midwestern states of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and the eastern states of New York and Pennsylvania. It is also prevalent in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
The Kelkner family origins are from Germany. In the United States, the first known Kelkner was Adam Kelkner, who was born in Wurttemburg, Germany in 1722 and emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1741. His descendants are found mainly in the Midwest and in the Northeast.
The popularity of the last name Kelkner in the United States can be traced back to the early 1900's. In 1900, the last name was widely found in Pennsylvania, where it ranked twelfth and New York, where it ranked nineteenth. By 1930, it had expanded to the Midwest, with large numbers in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, where it ranked tenth in each state.
Today, the last name Kelkner is still most prevalent in the United States, especially the Midwest and the northeastern states. It also remains popular in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Nova Scotia. There are also occurrences of the last name in Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Kelkner
Kelkner is an uncommon surname of German, Jewish, and Dutch origin. The variants spellings and surnames that stem from Kelkner are as follows:
-Kellner: This is the most common variant spelling of Kelkner and it stands for the equivalent of an innkeeper or hotelier. It is derived from the Old German word ‘kella’, meaning ‘cask’ or ‘barrel’. It is the most widespread variant of Kelkner seen both in the United States and Europe.
-Kalkner: This surname originated in a district of Germany and derives from Old High German 'celeinari' which means 'innkeeper'.
-Kelckner: This variation of spellings of Kelkner is found mainly in the Netherlands and first became popular in Amsterdam in the 1500s. It is derived from the word 'keller' which stands for 'cellar'.
-Kelryner: This variation of the surname Kelkner is most commonly seen in the Southern United States. It is derived from an old Germanic word meaning 'wine keeper'.
-Kölker: This is a surname found mainly in Germany and Holland and is derived from an old German word meaning 'innkeeper'.
-Kalkman: This Dutch variation of Kelkner is derived from the word ‘calm’ which means ‘innkeeper’. It is found mainly in The Netherlands and the Iowa region of the United States.
-Kelker: This variation of Kelkner is a combination of the word ‘kel’ which means 'barrel’ and the old German word ‘karre’ which means 'cart'.
-Kelkner: This is the original and most common form of the surname and it is derived from the Old High German word ‘kela’ which means 'barrel' or ‘cask’. It is a German, Jewish, and Dutch surname and it is most commonly found in the United States.
Famous people with the name Kelkner
- Nicole Kelkner: American television actress, best known for her role in the series “Black Sails”.
- Aaron Kelkner: Sculptor and artisan, who has work in private collections all over the world.
- Jim Kelkner: Major character in the 2017 horror movie “Happy Death Day”.
- Sophie Kelkner: Former marketing and digital activist, she assisted in the successful campaigns of political candidates.
- Tom Kelkner: Commissioner of the International Potato Research Board, he helped advance the growth of sustainable practices in the world of potato farming.
- Michael Kelkner: Entrepreneur and investor, he founded the venture capital firm Kelkner Capital LLC and has invested in many businesses.
- Rebecca Kelkner: Principal for the Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, MD.
- Keith Kelkner: Director of high school musicals and theater programs, he is credited with transforming the Seattle Arts and Sciences Academy.
- Philip Kelkner: Classical composer, who has written several pieces for concert bands, opera and other ensembles.
- Jacob Kelkner: Former politician, served as the mayor of Townsend, Delaware in the late 90’s.