Surname Kerkling - Meaning and Origin
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Kerkling: What does the surname Kerkling mean?
The last name Kerkling is of Dutch and German origin. It is an occupational surname, derived from the Dutch and German words for 'church', kerk and kirche, respectively.
The first known references to the Kerkling surname date back to the 16th century in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where the name was used to indicate an officer in charge of the local church. As the Dutch and German populations migrated across the world, so did the Kerkling surname. It can now be found in many English speaking countries, as well as South Africa and Australia.
The Kerkling surname represents a long and proud lineage of individuals dedicated to the service of their communities and churches. It is an honorable surname, and those who bear it carry a legacy of service and faith.
Order DNA origin analysisKerkling: Where does the name Kerkling come from?
The last name Kerkling is most prevalent in The Netherlands. Out of the estimated 5.2 million Dutch people living in The Netherlands, around 4,000 of them have the Kerkling surname. Beyond The Netherlands, Kerkling is also found in Germany, especially in the cities of Duisburg and Essen.
Kerkling is also present in countries that historically had significant Dutch emigration, such as Indonesia, South Africa, Canada, and the United States. A lot of research and publications have tracked the transfer of Kerkling from its origins in The Netherlands to its spread across the world.
In the past, the Kerklings worked in trading, agriculture, or craftsmanship—most notably rope making—and could be found in many of The Netherlands’ coastal communities especially. The name Kerkling is rooted in The Netherlands’ heritage as a seafaring nation—it was used most often by those who lived close to the ocean, and likely derived from the Dutch word “Kerk,” which means church and referred to those who frequented them.
Today, Kerkling is a common but not overly-saturated name, given that it still tends to hold a lower frequency than many of the other surnames in The Netherlands. Kerkling has carried on its legacy around the world, spreading the intergenerational legacy of a seaside Dutch heritage.
Variations of the surname Kerkling
Kerkling is an ancient surname of Germanic origin and is occasionally found throughout Europe. The variants, spellings, and surnames of this origin include Kerklin, Kerklyn, Corkerlin, Kerkenlin, Kerrlin, Kerleng, Kerling, Kollen, Collin, Kokemere, Kokenmeyer, Kerklin, Kerkner, Kerkmer, Kerckenmeyer, Kerchmeyer, and Kirchmayer.
The surname Kerkling is derived from the German word "Kirche" or church, which became a common element in many surnames throughout Germany. This name was often given to those who were the keepers of the local parish or church. It has also been suggested that the name derived from a person who was the leader of a church choir.
The earliest recorded use of the Kerkling surname dates back to 1219, in the genealogical records of Lower Saxony, Germany. The name is also widely found in the Netherlands, where it originated in the area known as Friesland.
Kerkling is also found in large numbers in various parts of Scandinavia, England, France, Scotland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
In Europe, the Kerkling surname has been used interchangeably with surnames such as Kerkley, Corkerlin, Kerrlin, Kerleng, Kollen, Collin, and Kokemere.
The Kerkling name has also spread to the United States and Canada, with the earliest recorded use dating back to the 1800s. In the US, Kerkling is pronounced ‘kurk-ling’, whereas in Canada, the pronunciation is more akin to ‘kurk-lin’.
Some people with the Kerkling surname have adopted other surnames, such as Kerkner, Kerkmer, Kerckenmeyer, Kerchmeyer, or Kirchmayer. Over time, some members of the family have also adopted other spellings of the surname, such as Kerklyn, Kerklin, and Kerkenlin.
Famous people with the name Kerkling
- B. J. Kerkling, professional mixed martial artist
- Cora Kerkling, Dutch political figure
- Cornelis Pieter Kerkling, Dutch Olympic equestrian
- Edward Kerkling, American photographer and filmmaker
- Ellina Kerkling, Russian former synchronized swimmer
- Hugo Kerkling, Chilean roller skater
- John Kerkling, American former professional football player
- Line Kerkling, Danish actress
- Richard Kerkling, German footballer
- Lena Kerkling, German model
- Robert Kerkling, German journalist
- Monica Kerkling, Brazilian professional wrestler