Surname Kessels - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kessels: What does the surname Kessels mean?
The surname Kessels is of Dutch origin, and it is typically found in the Netherlands and Belgium. The name is derived from the Dutch word for a “cauldron” or “kettle”. The Dutch word for kettle is “ketel” and the plural form is “ketels”.
Historically, this was a fairly common surname among the working class in the Netherlands and Belgium. People who were engaged in metal and related trades often shared the same surname because it was derived from a common tool. The occupations related to blacksmithing, tinning, and brewing, often included the surname Kessels.
The spelling of this surname has changed over the centuries, and sometimes it has been adopted by family members from different linguistic backgrounds – such as German, French, and Dutch. However, no matter how the spelling may have evolved, the meaning of the name remains constant – a common tool familiar to the working class.
Today, the surname Kessels is still common in the Netherlands and Belgium, especially among people with Dutch ancestry. Although there are a few variations to the spelling of the surname, the meaning remains the same. It is a reminder of the hard work and dedication of the past generations of Dutch and Belgians who worked in metal and related trades.
Order DNA origin analysisKessels: Where does the name Kessels come from?
The last name Kessels is most commonly found within The Netherlands and Germany. Kessels is a Dutch noun that means "cooking pans" or "kettles". It is thought to have been derived from occupational surnames from the Middle Ages when individuals specialized in pottery making and other related trades.
In The Netherlands, the majority of Kessels families are located in the southeastern region in the provinces of Overijssel, Gelderland, and Utrecht. In Germany, Kessels families are concentrated in the western region in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse.
Outside of the European continent, the last name Kessels can also found in South Africa, Canada, and the United States. In South Africa, many families of Dutch descent or Afrikaner heritage bear the Kessels surname. In Canada, there are Kessels families in both British Columbia and Ontario. In the United States, many Kessels families can be found in the states of Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Today, Kessels remains a relatively uncommon last name; however, it is still recognizable as an occupational last name throughout Europe, South Africa, Canada, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Kessels
The surname Kessels is a patronymic German and Dutch surname, which originates from the root word "Kessel", meaning 'cauldron' or 'vessel'. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Kesel, Kessel, Kesselaar, Kesseler, Kesslau, Kesle, Kessell, Kessner, and Kessener.
The variants and spellings of the surname Kesslau, Kesle, and Kessell are derived from the low German word "Kessel", meaning 'a pot' or 'tankard'. Likewise, the variant Kesseler is derived from the German word "Kessel" meaning 'cauldron' or 'vessel'. The variant Kesselaar is derived from the Dutch word "Keselaar" meaning 'ketelmaker', which was an occupational surname for a maker of metal pots, cauldrons, and vessels. The variant Kessner is derived from the German word "Kesselmeister", which was an occupational surname for a person in charge of the cauldron and brewing. The variant Kessener is derived from the Swiss German word "Kezener" meaning a maker of stoneware and earthenware vessels.
In terms of all of the variants, spellings, and surnames associated with Kessels, they all generally point towards an origin of a maker or overseer of metal and/or stoneware and earthenware vessels, cauldrons, and pots. It is likely that those who carried the surname Kessels in the past were involved in this job.
Famous people with the name Kessels
- Laurent Kessels, former professional footballer
- Andy Kessels, soccer coach
- Lawrence Of Kessels, Dutch disc jockey
- Sander Kessels, Dutch artist
- Lane Kessels, Australian football player
- Nico Kessels, Dutch saxophonist
- Michael Kessels, Dutch actor
- Joris Kessels, Dutch cyclist
- Florian Kessels, German artist
- Isabell Kessels, Austrian actress
- Rico Kessels, Dutch figure skater
- Wil Kessels, Dutch photographer
- Peter Kessels, Dutch football manager
- Marjo Kessels, Dutch politician
- Pascal Kessels, Dutch architect
- Hugo Kessels, Belgian entrepreneur
- Maurice Kessels, Dutch singer
- Marcel Kessels, Dutch producer
- Will Kessels, English footballer
- Sanne Kessels, Dutch speed skater