Surname Kessig - Meaning and Origin
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Kessig: What does the surname Kessig mean?
The last name Kessig is of German-Jewish origin. It has its roots in the Yiddish term "Kesge," which translates to "insect." It is thought to have been assumed by an ancestor who was involved in some trade involving insects.
This surname originally comes from the northern and central German regions of Lippe and Westphalia. The meaning may be linked to a source of income, possibly regarding leather goods or livestock.
A variant spelling of the name is "Kessige" which is also found in Germany. Spelling variants of this surname include "Kesig," "Kesige," and "Kesisch."
Kessig can also be spelled as "Kessinger," and is sometimes referred to as the "Lessing" variant of the name. It is usually found with those who have ancestors from the area around Stuttgart.
In the United States, the surname is relatively uncommon. Offshoots found in the US are generally of German Jewish descent, stemming from the same sources as the German surname "Kessig." The name also appears in the Ukraine and Romania.
In short, the last name Kessig originated in Germany by individuals involved in the trade of insects or leather, with some offshoots found in the US. Today, the surname is most commonly associated with those of German-Jewish descent, though it is not limited to any one group.
Order DNA origin analysisKessig: Where does the name Kessig come from?
The last name Kessig is of German origin, and is still commonly found primarily in German-speaking countries today. Specifically, it is mostly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Other countries where it is found today, although in much smaller numbers, include the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.
In Germany, the surname is most common in the states of Bayern (Bavaria) and Baden-Württemberg. Interestingly, Kessig is one of the few last names in Germany that is especially common in rural areas. It is believed to have originated in what is now the southwestern part of Germany—close to the border of Austria and Switzerland.
In the United States, Kessig is found mainly in states that have a large population of German immigrants, such as New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, and California. It is also relatively common in some parts of Canada.
There are many variations of the surname, including Kessick, Kesig, Käsig, and Keßig. These slight variations are likely due to the many regional dialects found in German-speaking countries. The name is also spelled differently in various countries, depending on the language. For instance, in France, Kessig is spelled Kesig; and in Austria, it is spelled Käsig.
Overall, the last name Kessig is still a commonly found name today, most prevalently in German-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Kessig
The surnames Kessig, Kessing, Kessinger, Kaesig, Kaessig, Kaysing, and Kaissig are all variants of the same origin.
Kessig is an occupational surname of German origin that derives from the Middle High German word ‘keissig’, which means spice dealer or hawker. The surname would have originally referred to someone who sold herbs, spices, or other goods door-to-door. It is likely that many Kessigs are descended from people who worked in this trade.
Kessing is a variation of Kessig, with the added letter ‘n’ to the end. This can be interpreted to mean ‘someone of the Kessig family’ or ‘son of Kessig’.
Kessinger is a more commonly used variation of the original Kessig surname. This spelling usually appears in records in the United States.
Kaesig is another variant that is mainly found in the United States. It is derived from the German spelling of the surname.
Kaessig is likely the most common variant of the surname, and is found throughout Germany as well as in other countries, such as the United States. It also derives from the original German spelling.
Kaysing is another spelling which can be found in the United States. It is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word ‘keissig’.
Kaissig is the last variant of the source surname Kessig. It is also derived from the Middle High German word ‘keissig’, and can be found in the United States.
Famous people with the name Kessig
- Brian Kessig: former NBA player for the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Utah Jazz
- Jon Kessig: Former professional golfer, now an analyst and commentator
- Carole Kessig: German-American actress, writer, and producer
- Shawn Kessig: American audio engineer and producer
- Kristin Kessig: Actress and entrepreneur
- Leah Kessig: American social media influencer and entrepreneur
- Scott Kessig: American attorney and author
- Judy Kessig: Licensed physician in family medicine and telemedicine
- Zach Kessig: Former professional skater and actor from New York City
- Marie Kessig: Fashion blogger and professional model from Seattle